Spartan Series #22 “Spartans ask, Not How Many, but Where”

In bodybuilding as in ancient Sparta, we don’t care about how many competitors there are that we must defeat.  We only want to know where we are to meet and fight for the trophy.  To Quote the Spartans: “Not how many, but Where.”  This has to be our mindset as we take the stage against foes who have trained as hard as we have to compete and win.  Sometimes, we will hit the stage and there will be few other competitors in our weight class or category.  Other times it will seem as though every bodybuilder in the world has shown up to take my win away.  In either case, the number is irrelevant.  We have to show up in the best shape of our lives and be ready technically to out do the competition.

There is a question among American Military Warriors, typically the Seals and the Green Beret troops.  “What do you do if you and your men are surrounded?  The answer from the leader of the Warriors is, “CHARGE.”  In other words, no matter the odds, we have only one response to our adversaries, “CHARGE.”  We will not die in place.  We will not surrender and be tortured to death, we will not submit to the sword of humiliation at the hands of our enemies.  We will find a way to win or die trying.  Our solemn commitment to excellence and the defense of ourselves is sacred and nobody can take it away unless we give it away.

In my world of bodybuilding, my Coach, Justin Dees has taught me that “I cannot talk about winning or preparing to win.  I have to do it.”  Thus, is born my holy commitment to be ready and to be in a mindset to win.”  Nothing is left to chance and my mind and body is thrown into the fray in pursuit of excellence and victory.  I’ve played tons of sports in my life but for some reason this sport of bodybuilding has brought out the Spartan in me that has always lived below the surface all my life.  I’ve done very well as an athlete but this challenge has placed my feet on a higher plain to fight and win.

In closing let me quote again the Spartan refrain, “Not How Many, but Where?”  Now is the time to put away fear and attack your goals with all your body, mind, and soul.  There is no turning back because you know who you are, what you want, and what you are willing to lose to gain the prize.

Until next time, I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, (ret), MHSM