There two parts to this article that I want to discuss. First, Following your dreams. I would submit that life is about discovering what drives us forward. Following a dream also means that we will not always have access to a cheering, compassionate, crowd of well wishers. In fact, I believe that those of us who truly follow our dreams have determined that the cost is reasonable and, if necessary, we will invest ourselves completely and alone.
Dreams
Dreams are the things that we are made of. They are the fabric that bridges the gap between our souls, our minds, our physical selves and the things we pursue. All of us welcome the excitement of a vision that takes place inside of us when we realize that we can have something better for ourselves or the people we love. When a dream takes hold of us we have to decide whether that dream will remain nothing more than an image inside our minds or whether we will put together a plan to obtain and live that dream. All of us have fantasized about something we want and have concluded that the dream we want is not obtainable so we fold it up neatly and return to our mundane daily existence.
In the hearts and minds of another group of people dreams are guides, they are objectives to be reached. This group sees dreams as goals that beckon them to pursue them and to obtain them. This type of person next goes about the process of developing a plan for “dream attainment.” They have ruminated about the dream for so long that they know what is required to get there. After they have counted the cost to win their desired goal, they get the plan into place and they simultaneously go about the business of “dream pursuit.”
Walking Alone
Most of the time our dreams cause others around us to cringe, they back away from you, they conclude that your dream is false and that you are self deluded. The sad thing is that they actually tell you that your dream is foolish, too risky, and ultimately they do not wish you well on your pursuit to obtain the dream. At times their discouraging words devolve into hostility and hatred for you. It is here that walking alone must be implemented if you believe in what you see inside yourself. If you decide that the dream is worthy of you and that you will mot be supported in your quest each of us must be willing to go it alone. There is no other course of action except to pursue the dream in silence and alone.
When I decided to compete in bodybuilding I had to do so in the face of multiple points of discouragement. Because I am old tons of people automatically concluded that I could not be successful and this bodybuilding thing was a fad and it will pass. They also thought that I should not do this because of my age. It’s as if they were saying, “grow up! Men your age do not and should not think that these goals are still alive and well inside you.” I like what Arnold Schwarzeneggar says in his second rule of success, “Ignore the naysayers.” I also would add, avoid them like the plague. Instead, surround yourself with men of like mind that will add fuel and encouragement to your forward progress toward your goal.
My very first goal was to first get into the best shape of my life. I trained twice per day, 6 days per week, for three years. The next step was to prepare to step on stage for the first time. So, I did! I got 1 4th place trophy and 2 fifth place trophies in one night. The bug had bitten me and the excitement was just as I had imagined it to be. The next thing I had to do was improve as fast and as well as I could. I competed two more times and did ok but I knew I needed help to do better. So, I hired a world class coach in Justin Dees. He is my partner, friend, but when he has to he is my Egyptian Task Master Coach. He demands much but leaves the effort to me. Since those early days he has taken me through all the gates of learning and progress. I’m old but I am also new at this stuff. I’ve had to take the hard knocks of rookie mistakes and I’ve had to pick myself up and continue to train and get better. I’ve concluded that there are only three people that I need to please in this sport: 1.) My wife. 2.) My Coach. 3.) The judges. Everything else is a bonus or a curse and I deal with them separately.
My biggest dream these days is to turn pro. I plan to do that this in July 2018 at the Nationals in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m finally feeling ready and able to do this. Justin has made it clear that I’ve got the physique to win but I’ve got to work overtime to present well when I’m on stage. Thus, I practice posing daily until I think I’ve got the posing down. Justin measures me weekly monitoring my weight, my body fat, and my lean muscle mass. He makes adjustments at each session to my training, my diet, and training techniques.
Much of my training is alone. I do not use a training partner. I keep blinders on when I hit the gym. I keep my headset on and my eyes on the clock to be sure I’m using each moment of my training efficiently. I, like everyone else, has a life to live and thus I have to work hard and get home. I cannot allow myself to be distracted by socializing in the gym. This is where the construction of a world class physique occurs. Being alone and dependent on nobody to push me is my calling card. I believe that nothing gets done unless I do it myself and if necessary, I will do it alone. Flex Lewis, the five time Olympian Champion, at under 212 lbs. has a great quote. “The trophy is won in the hours when nobody is watching.” I’ve made this my mantra. It has paid off handsomely for me with a greatly improved physique and a better performance on stage with each contest.
In closing: Keep your dreams present. Keep planning to accomplish your dreams. Keep at it! Keep pushing your limits toward having your dreams in hand. Nothing, nor anybody, can come between you and what you dream about. Do not depend on somebody else to win for you. If you must walk alone—-Perfect! Winning is about me and you and nobody else. Go for it and don’t look back. Being alone is the best because you/I will work better and learn more. Go for it—ALONE!
Until next time, I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 