The Premise
When I was young there was a very popular book among Christians named “Tyranny of the Urgent.” It also, found it’s way down the chain into a tract that was used to reach the unbelievers. The premise here being that we put an awful amount of pressure on ourselves to “do it all.” So much so that we miss the important things that God has for us to do and to experience. I Would submit that just the opposite is true when you do bodybuilding. The premise in this case being that if you do not get a sense of urgency to excel, that borders on personal tyranny, you will not be successful. I Would also submit that this approach to winning is true about anything we want to accomplish in life. There has to be a focus that pretty much marginalizes all other things or, at the very least relegates distracting activities to a lower tier of importance while seeking the goal that is underway.
The Personal Response
I preach this like the famous evangelist, Elmer Gantry.” Before anything is undertaken there has to be some serious sifting of our goals, desires, and motives. In essence, we must decide that the objective is worth having and worth suffering for to obtain. Another way to say it, is “you have to count the cost and decide to pay it.” I Would suggest that while contemplating the goal and it’s worth to you, that you sequester yourself to a location and environment that allows you to think, feel, write, and calculate the demands that are about to be placed on your shoulders. Determine to not leave that place of personal meditation until you have either decided to go forward or to quit. In either case, decide why you have arrived at your final decision. Let that final decision burn itself into your mind and heart. Assuming that you have decided to pursue your goal you should immediately stand up and get busy rearranging your life to accomplish that stated objective.
The Plan
Each detail of the journey that supports the accomplishment of the goal has to be brought into alignment with the stated objective. This is the time where the “Plan” has to be reduced to writing and layed out before your mind visually. Even though you dream big dreams about winning, it is here that the road map is developed. In fact, this is the time when charts, diagrams, algorithms etc. come into play. The easier you can see your path to the top, the easier it will be to follow. Remember! The “Plan” is yours and the clearer you can see where you are and where you want to go the better. Each major item has to be placed into the timeline in it’s proper place. Nothing trumps this step. Do it correctly. Do it completely. Do it from the heart!
The Journey
Now, this is where your personal “Tyranny and Urgency” starts. Get going! Put the “Plan” into motion. Wake up in the morning with an excitement that causes you to kick your bathroom door open to get out there and do the job. In my case, I am motivated to eat my first meal. Then, do my first hour of cardio. Get my bag and get to the gym for today’s workout. Nothing gets in my way. My day starts at 0500. Like the old Army PSA, “We/I get more done by 0900 than anybody else does the rest of the day.” Your personal urgency to win must become your personal tyranny. It is self-imposed, self monitored, self motivated, and most of all YOURS! Nobody can do this journey for you! Nobody can put one of your feet ahead of the other. All things related to your victory are put into place by you. Speed, direction, amplitude, and of course the PLAN!
I am not going to bore you with the mechanics of attaining your goal. But, this article is focused on lighting a fire under you to get you launched. Tomorrow is a world away. You never tell yourself that I can skip today’s workout or I can do this part of the workout later. You must attack each day as if you do not have a minute to spare. Today is really tomorrow. Get it done!
In closing please know that the “Tyranny of the Urgent” is the tool that will drive you forward. There is no other mindset available to any of us that will satisfy this requirement. Get the “Urgency” that will push you, whip you, and demand much of you. Its your call……Now! Go for it!
Six Pack and Senior 