Let’s just say that there is no other way home. You have to rise to the occasion or you can die in place. Sounds simple enough but the truth of the matter is that most of us “settle” for an effort to accomplish things that is adequate or subpar and call it a day. You see, we have all bought into the lie that that we have to work smarter and not harder. After all, who cares what sort of energy we expend making things happen just so long as the desired result is assaulted.
My Coach, Justin Dees emphasizes and has said it repeatedly, “In order to win you have to outwork all of your opponents.” That means you have to be able to outwork them at everything. Each component of the game has to be worked at and perfected with tons of extra effort. Weight training, cardio, supplementation, diet, posing etc. All areas have to be better than the previous contest and certainly better for the contest before you. I would submit that each of us needs to come up with a rallying cry or slogan or quote that reminds us constantly that we are in a battle and that no prisoners can be taken. Outworking your competition is far more than a physical race to win. It is an all out assault on the stage. Our quest first must demand that we are in the best shape of our lives. If we take care of business in all categories we will do well and will probably WIN!
Let me discuss my approach. First, I get up early around 5 am. This early hour allows me to eat my first meal of the day and get my mind focused. Next, I do 1-2 hours of cardio on an eliptical machine that is perched in my living room in front of the TV/Big Screen. Then, I eat again. Then, I get to the gym for weight training of the designated body part for that day. Please note that I am eating right on schedule and nothing gets in my way when it’s meal time, even if I’m not all that hungry. It’s important to eat right but also it’s important to eat frequently of small portions.
We have to get used to expecting to WIN. Why get involved in all this if we don’t really want to win? Also, we have to get rid of the subconscious mindset that allows us to say all the right and positive things but in the back of your mind you are planning to sabotage. We have to practice playing to WIN.
In closing, let it be known that nobody will beat you unless they outwork you.
Thus, victory is ours—-IF WE do much more than is required so that we bury our opposition. We will own and defeat all others we compete against. Leave it all in the gym!
Until next Time.
Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 