“Me and my hero–Flex Lewis”
Motivation to accomplish things in our lives comes from almost anywhere at first. Eventually, the motivation is very specific and pushes us on to victory or to the anticipated goal that we have set for ourselves. There is nothing better in the world than to have a hero or a gigantic purpose that drive us in a given direction. I personally, feed off the examples of my heroes, especially those in bodybuilding. I can go for weeks or months just knowing that these gods are watching me and asking me to be better. I respond with a work ethic that is second to none. Just ask those people who know me and they will tell you the same.
There are times however, when the motivation that pushed me forward, fed me, gave courage to overcome huge obstacles, to show me the way, has gone away. It’s as if my internal compass has been rippped out of my chest and I am on my own. I am essentially now unmotivated with my goal not yet reached. What does a guy do at this point?
“My other hero is Victor Martinez”
It is at this juncture when the thing that made us mighty in the first place is gone that we must reach deep inside ourselves to reignite the “belly full of want to” that got us started in the first place. It’s here that we must invoke “discipline”that resides within our hearts. There is nothing else for us to throw at the goal. Discipline must be the next order of business. We know what to do and if we do not look for the right thing that will cause us to win we will lose. How many times have we gotten all excited about something and there is a great deal of motivation, both real and imagined to accomplish that for which I am called? Then, just as quickly, that motivation is gone.
Enter: Discipline!
Discipline is not a poor man’s concept. Even when motivation is high, we have to be very personally disciplined to keep going. Discipline exercised will cause us to look at our long and short term goals. It will push us to never give up and it will cause us to commit ourselves to the task at hand despite the pain and suffering that will surely ensue.
Discipline needs to be regarded as an absolutely necessary component to stay on task. Life will not move without it!
I am on a quest in bodybuilding to turn pro this year. Last year, according to my coach Justin Dees, was my breakthrough year. I did very well but didn’t accomplish my goal of turning pro by winning at a National Level. This IS MY YEAR AND I SHALL NOT FAIL! I have tons of motivation but I also know from tons of experience that this motivation will fade and I will be left to apply only discipline to win. Discipline marks a lonely road but it Uhas to be traveled enroute to the trophies we seek. When the alarm goes off too early in the morning, it’s discipline that gets our butts out of bed and going. When the pain of training leaves me wilted and discouraged it’s the discipline God places in our hearts that keeps us going and enduring the pain.
Bottom line! Motivation is cool but Discipline will carry the day. Stay tuned for more great wins on my quest in bodybuilding. Also, stay in tune with the greatness that will be manifested in your life as you chase your dream!
Until next time! This our time!
Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 