Arnold Schwarzenegger
There is an old saying, “He who aims for nothing, hits it every time”—This little quote was given to me by an old friend about 40 years ago when I was a very young man. He was zeroing in on a very blatant weakness in my life. I was just drifting from one thing to another without much thought about what I was doing or what I was trying to accomplish. In fact, if I got anything good to happen in my life was a big surprise to me. I knew that I had to plan for success and I was learning the discipline. This quote put everything into perspective. The bigger lesson for me in this was that “nothing is an accident.
I have always been enamored with bodybuilding and the competition. From the time I was old enough to understand what weight training could do for my strength, physique, stamina, and athletic performance I’ve wanted to be better than I was. I was willing to put the work in. But, as life would have it, I grew up, went in the Navy, got married, went to college, had kids, advanced my career etc. These milestones of a life lived did not allow for much time to do bodybuilding. I got a small taste of the excitement of competition in 1990 when I did the Arkansas and I finished a lowly 4th in my division. But, the bug had bitten me and I couldn’t wait to get better. But, for the next 19 years I did not even pursue the sport.
Then, I decided to get back into shape. I trained twice per day, six days per week, for three years. The next thing I knew I was good enough to go further so I set my sights on competing again. I took off to compete in the next local contest here in Utah. I got a 4th place and two 5th places. Since this foray into bodybuilding back in 2014 I have trained hard and gotten better.
I’ve won numerous trophies. However, the ultimate goal for me this late in my life is to turn pro. “Let me reiterate my initial premise, “He who aims for nothing, hits it every time.” I have aimed for something and I will hit it this time. I haven’t been able to rise to the occasion as yet but I’m getting closer. There is no other way to get this done other than to “paint my target” and put in the work in all aspects. I will again compete in the Nationals in July 2018 in Pittsburgh. I would love to make this my break through contest.
My goal is clear and my effort has to match the goal or it’s wasted time. I am a relative novice to this world but I’m learning. My coach is very frustrated with me at times and has said, “I’m getting tired of wanting something more than you do.” Though my goal has never changed but due to inattention I have, at times, lost my way. Justin Dees just keeps guiding me as I move forward.
In closing, the end game must always be in your mind even when you are not sure of the path. A coach who cares for your goals is an absolute necessity. Details are important and I’m slowly learning all that is required to accomplish the objective and to get better. All of us face similar challenges and my journey is only one. Each of us has something that we want to conquer and to win. Let me urge you to not give up. Just bring the thing you want into sharper focus and continue to it’s end.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 