Success
Everybody wants to be successful and it is safe to say that nobody wants to be a failure. Its a well known fact that “Miracles Tend to Happen——to Those Who Work Very Hard.” When you sit around waiting for the angel to stir up the waters at the “Pool of Bethesda” you will wait an awfully long time. Even when the waters are stirred up you/I will have a ready made excuse as to why we could not get into the pool. This image at the Pool of Bethesda illustrates just how firmly we anchor ourselves to our current circumstances and how much we have settled for “Living Below the Level of Mediocrity.”
What if we were to prepare for the angel’s arrival to help us into the Pool of Bethesda by inching ourselves a little closer to the Pool’s edge using a plan we devise. This little move will enhance our chances of getting into the Pool when the time is right. With this foresight we will need a plan to move that short distance to the Pool’s edge. It’s really hard work to think it through, gather any necessary materials, and then executing the move. Because we are crippled and have chosen to settle and be defined by our circumstances we have never thought of being better. But now, you/I have the unique opportunity to take on a new idea to make us better. It takes monumental effort. So, each day we practice implementing some simple daily disciplines to cover the distance between where we are and where we need to be. We are soon in position to realize the miracles we so desperately seek.
Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is not complicated but it requires doing very simple things daily to take us to the next level or to prepare us for battle on the stage. Simple Disciplines executed and organized to accomplish the desired results. These things that we do each day lays the foundation for superior performance.
Ted Williams, the great hitter from a generation ago for the Boston Red Sox was considered to be the ultimate natural hitter in all of baseball history. A sports writer asked him what his secret was to be the spectacular hitter that he was. He held out his hands palms upward for the sports writer to see them. His hands were covered with blisters, callouses, cuts and bruises. He said to the writer, “I’m here at the ballpark 2 hours before the other players are required to be here taking batting practice. Then, when the game is over and the crowd has all gone home, I take two more hours of batting practice. That’s what’s demanded to be a good hitter. This is also why my hands look like this.” The sports writer didn’t have any more questions. The answer is hard and easy at the same time. There is no such thing as a “natural hitter.” It takes tons of work on a faithful basis.
With bodybuilding you learn that basic movements done consistently will provide the necessary/desired muscle mass to appear. Four Simple Disciplines: 1.). Never miss workouts—consistency is vital. 2.). Never talk during workouts. Don’t let others steal your training time. 3.). Work harder than anybody else in the gym——bar none!! 4.). Leave the gym with the attitude that this is “MY GYM—-I OWN IT!
These “Simple Disciplines” done daily will take you to the Winners Circle. Establish them immediately. Obey them and trust the process. Winning will take care of itself. Remember! Once you have won nobody can ever take it from you. Winning belongs to you.
Parting Shot! There is an old saying that “when MOTIVATION” is gone, “DISCIPLINE” takes over. You have your challenges and I have mine. Stay in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Until next time I remain Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 