I ran across this quote and it resonated inside me in a big way. Let me explain what I mean. Everyone of us knows that there is no such thing as “Ying and Yang” when it comes to personal accomplishment. I would submit that we should subscribe to the philosophy of “asymmetrical Living” —-Let me explain.
When I set out to accomplish anything worth my effort I do not spend any time wondering if my biorhythms or chakra is in balance. I immediately organize my life with single-mindedness aimed at reaching my goal. All things are arranged to contribute to the end game. The last thing for me to worry about is whether I can recite my Sanskrit name or term in a hypnotic monotone over and over again. I don’t have a minute to spare. I give 100% of my attention and effort toward the goal. I meditate on the prize. I dream about it. I assemble all things that will be required and then I plan a way forward that accounts for the essentials to win. I then write out the plan using a blank sheet of paper and a calendar. Lastly, I get started!
The final thing to keep uppermost in my mind is that I can never stop believing in my dream. I have to keep the image of my vision forever in front of my minds eye. I let that vision become the reason I breathe. There is not a nanosecond of time that goes by without the review and inspection of the goal. That goal is the destination but we have to never lose track of what that goal is and how we plan to get there.
I’m an older bodybuilder and I’m in the hunt to become a professional before it’s all done for me. I started with just an eye toward getting into shape, but after I had been training twice per day, six days per week for three years I was recommended to consider competing in bodybuilding. I at first said no, but the more I played with idea the better I liked the challenge. So, I relented and entered my first competition and the first time out I got a 4th place and two 5th places. The bug had bitten me and I was off. Since then I have competed at least 2-3 times per year. Each time I have sought to get better with each new competition.
I took on a Coach, Justin Dees and he has guided me, the novice, through the various stages of learning “the art” to be a competitive bodybuilder. The best way to describe Justin is that he is my friend and he is forever my coach. He describes our relationship as a partnership between us. He sets the pace, gives the instructions, provides the timeline for contests and has helped me focus on the ultimate goal which is to become a pro. Together we are getting much closer while I get better and better each time I have a contest.
Since starting down this road to the Pro ranks I have had to trim away many good things that I would prefer to do. My mind is constantly reviewing the areas that I need to improve in. I try to never leave anything to chance. I do not cut corners in my training, my diet, my supplements, or cardio. Besides my everyday living, I am 100% committed and I totally believe that I am going to make it—-this year.
My day starts early around 5:45 am when I rise, take my supplements, eat breakfast, dress for training, get to the gym and work today’s designated body part. More eating, errands, do cardio, continue eating every two hours. In all this execution I do not forget why I am doing what I am doing. My favorite quote is from Flex Lewis, —- “The Trophy is Won in the Hours When Nobody is Watching.” In other words, I walk alone with nobody pushing me except my wife and Justin. I never want to lose because I did not put out the effort. My other favorite quote is, “I Am Coming for All the Things They Said I Could Not Have.” Translation: Nothing will stop me from attaining my goal except me. I am careful to keep myself 100% on track. I will rest when I have won.
In Closing: I repeat Arnold’s quote: “If you want to turn a vision into reality, You have to give 100% and never stop believing in your dream.”—Arnold Schwarzenegger
I cannot add anything to this quote that can help.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 