How many times have we listened to our own kids adamantly insist that they would do just about anything to get this thing or that thing. We have been subjected to the grand desires of our children to the point of near insanity. Then, when we ask them what they were willing to do get the trophy or the item they so strongly wanted they would insist that they would do “ANYTHING.”
Let’s translate: First, as noted, nothing wished for or desired will come to pass by simply wanting it to occur. No amount of pontificating and daydreaming will produce anything especially that which we desire. Also notice that eventually each of us realizes that if we truly want something there will have to be effort applied to getting it. It is here that we have to decide whether the trophy desired is worthy enough to pursue. It is also at this juncture that we have to reach deep inside and determine how hard we are willing to work to attain the goal that we want. This is the place where we either stop thinking about the thing we want or we turn on the after burners to go get the trophy ourselves.
We should never stop wanting things, attaining goals, winning trophies, or desiring outcomes. These activities are all good. What we have to do is focus on the amount of work it’s going to take to win. At the same time we have to measure the amount of work it’s going to take and then take responsibility to expend the effort to do the work to win.
In bodybuilding I and my coach, Justin Dees will have lengthy conversations about what we want to accomplish this year. In the final analysis we come to a meeting of the minds about the goal and the work it will take to win. The most important thing he has to extract from me is my willingness to sacrifice, to rise to the occasion, to do the work, and to win. Once this is done I and Justin will work hand in hand to get it done.
In closing. Wanting something is easy. Expending the work required to get something is very hard. Like Justin has said to me during one of his moments of great exasperation, “You can’t just say you will do it. You have to do it!” Thus, the mantel of responsibility to do the work has been passed to me. Justin, will hold me to the path and the goal.
Lastly, to all of us who have real goals and objectives to accomplish, “DO THE WORK AND DO NOT LOOK BACK.” IT’S NOT WHERE WE START, IT’S WHERE WE ARE GOING AND WHERE WE END UP.”
Until next time, I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 