Group think is the order of the day for this generation. Nobody seems to do anything until they have polled all their friends and have gotten every opinion available. In the end, what they decide to do is the sum total of all input. The point here is that a single person with a single-minded desire to accomplish something is a rare commodity. Rules of engagement and common sense do not apply. Thus, the aim of this blog is to point out the obvious when it comes to deciding to win and understanding that this victory can only occur because you or I decide to win and it’s up to us “alone” to make it happen.
Push yourself!
There is no effort that is more sacred then the effort that we personally decide to put forth. Effort is the backbone of accomplishment and it must be put into play in order to win. We have to want something bad enough that we will willingly push ourselves to get it.
When I started bodybuilding I had to spend a considerable amount of time thinking about what I wanted to do with the effort that would be required to gain muscle, be conditioned, and to be stage ready. Once I made up my mind to compete on stage as a bodybuilder it became painfully obvious that it was totally up to me. There was nobody else to turn to get the job done. I was walking alone and this project belonged solely to me and no other human.
Nobody is Going to do it For You!
It is imperative that I understood that what I had set out to do could not be done by anybody but me. I did not have a surrogate who would do the work so I could see my body change and so I could get the glory. I had to “set my face like flint” toward the goal. The goal has 3 components: 1.) Be in the best shape of my life at the time of the competition. 2.) Do not embarrass myself. 3.) Place and move up with each competition. Since I have adopted these components I am totally aware of what I want to do with my time on stage. I look to no one else. I dig deep inside to motivate myself and plug in the necessary discipline to be ready.
I am open to learn anything that will make me better. But, the greatest lesson is also the first lesson: “I have to push myself because, no one else is going to do it for me.”
In closing, go about the business of taking control of what is required to “Push Yourself” toward any goal you choose to pursue. Never, never, never, expect anybody to do it for you. Your life belongs to you and nobody can live it for you. Go out there and take control of your destiny…..Nobody else is going to do it for you!
Until next time, I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 