I don’t really know the meaning of the term “Work Ethic.” I know that many people use it to describe a person who works hard and seems to be indefatigable in daily activities or the pursuit of their chosen goal or quest. But come on! Since when did “WORK” become an “ETHIC?” Thus, my ignorance is manifest to all the world in the application of this phrase.
Only 175 lbs here
I’d like to take you through how I establish and carry out my daily training. Then you can decide for yourself whether I have a “Work Ethic” or whether I am laser focused on the Prize.
Arise:
Alarm goes off at 4:45 AM. I get up use the “John” and lay out my training clothes for this morning’s workout.
4:50 AM: Weigh myself to be sure my body weight trajectory is still going UP!
4:55 AM: Start Pounding Down my Supplements. Liquids, Capsules, Powders, Tablets—all find their way down my throat. I lay out supplements for my wife too. She is my training partner who keeps me honest in my work and intense in the application of the requisite Exercise, Sets, and Reps. She is my honesty policeman—She ensures that I do not cheat myself during my workout by becoming lazy or unfocused. All guys should recruit their wives to this task. She is involved up to her neck in our quest to win a National Title. What a woman!
5:00 AM: Get Dressed and be sure all my training equipment is in my backpack that I will lug to the gym. If there are special devices that my coach has asked me to wear or to utilize for certain exercises (Squeem, Straps, Belt etc.) then they are dropped in the bag.
5:10 AM: Fix 8-12 eggs (Fried or Poached) with 2-4 slices of toast and butter and sometimes jelly. Other times I use peanut butter. Often my wife makes a very dense protein shake for me that I drink in the car while driving to the gym.
5:30 AM: Out the door with my wife to the gym. It’s about a 5-7 minute drive. In the mornings when it’s nice (spring, summer, fall) Christine rides her bike and I drive. I’m driving to focus on the workout ahead (this is my story and I’m sticking to it).
5:45 AM: Begin training for that day. I have a regimen that my coach, Justin Dees and myself have worked out for each of six days per week…..Monday – Saturday. Justin has specifically chosen these exercises and these regimens for me to get the most out of me in a single session with sufficient rest between these workouts to allow me to recover and grow.
As I begin, I start with very light weights to get the blood moving into the selected muscle group for that day. I quickly move up the weight to get to the poundage that allows me to get 8-12 reps for seven sets. I repeat this with another exercise for the same muscle group and I change, repeating the task as noted above. I pound through the workout for 1.5 hours or more and call it a day. Sometimes I will do 10-15 minutes of cardio work on a treadmill or a stairmaster.
8:00 AM I take my wife to work and I return home to eat and do my job which I perform from home.
This regimen, as noted, is repeated daily for six days per week. My diet is overseen by my coach who does measurements on me once per week to document that I am moving in the right direction. Justin keeps careful records on me and guides my training and my diet.
I guess I have a “Work Habit” and maybe even a “Work Ethic”—–My personal definition or description of my effort is simple……If you want something you have to work for it. Nothing in this world is free and nobody will do it for you. Thus, in order to win you have to work while your opponents play or while they sleep. You/I have to develop a mindset that provides the necessary impetus to be our best. Our “Work” must transcend the pain that is unavoidably a part of the process. Our “Work” must allow us to disappear inside our minds to escape those who would discourage us. During our “Work” we have to develop a mantra that drives us forward when we want to quit. Our “Work” must lead us to that “zone” where it is surreal and where only you and the training apparatus are perceptible, palpable, and harsh. This “Work” place is “ZEN” that no others can violate. This is the crucible where we are shaped by our “Work” to become Champions.
Yes, there is such a thing as a person possessing a “Work Habit” or “Work Ethic.” But, I believe it only exists in a person who has decided that what they have set out to achieve is “Worth it!”
This is OUR TIME! Develop that desire to achieve and the “Work Ethic” that is required to attain your goals. You can have it! Now go get it!
Until Next Time
Douglas E. Graham
Six Pack and Senior 