This is a maxim that cannot be violated. Each of us must learn to “walk alone” because we need to be able to establish the course for our lives without someone looking over our shoulders. In fact, most of us “mere mortals” perform much better when we are being watched or when we want to impress someone who is watching. The real challenge for us is to keep performing when nobody is watching and getting to our tasks daily despite not feeling like doing them.
The biggest hurdle to winning is to overcome the gigantic temptation to do things only when the “fire is hot” or in other words, when we feel like it. There’s an old saying that says, “When motivation runs out—discipline must take over.” Unfortunately, we are all human and are subject to scheduling or best efforts when we feel like doing it. To win, all of us must be determined to do our training even when it is inconvenient or when we are tired.
Feelings are like emotions. They should attach themselves as the caboose to our train and come along and behave themselves. We cannot trust them to push in the right direction, especially when motivation is lacking. During these “low times” it is best to plug in our brains, search our souls, and act on the commitment(s) that we have sworn to uphold and accomplish. A quote (Maxim) that I wrote about awhile back was from Flex Lewis who said, “The Trophy is earned in the hours when nobody is watching.” I have learned to walk alone and its excitingly refreshing to know that my training regimen is not dependent on someone else’s presence or help. I hold myself to a standard that guarantees that my training is effective and I skip nothing.
I would suggest, especially for us bodybuilders that when we do not feel like training or doing the diet, or doing cardio, that we practice standing up and walking to where our training clothes are waiting for us and put on the first article of clothing. My promise is that when you do this miracles begin to happen. The faster you put on your training clothes the stronger is the urge to get to the gym and make ourselves into champions.
In closing. When you outline your training strategy remember these basic points: 1.) Do not miss workouts. 2.) Do not talk during the workout. People who interrupt you will only steal your training time. 3.) Work harder than anybody else in the gym—-bar none! Be determined to out work everybody. 4.) When you leave the gym say to yourself, “I own this place.” Write these things down and put them on the wall beside your bed so you will never forget them. They are your guides for consistency and effort so you do not fall into complacency which is your death. Be consistent and trust the process—your trophy is waiting.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 