Motivation is the mighty engine that we all want to be operative always in our lives. But, as is the case in real life, we cannot be motivated all the time. In my opinion, motivation is nothing more than the starting point that establishes the impetus to succeed. Motivation can come from anyplace. It could be a proverb, a hero, a motivational quote, an example of somebody else being successful at a chosen endeavor. Motivation from any source can carry us for a long distance toward our stated goal. However, in every life there will come a time when no motivation of any kind will suffice. In fact, it is during these times that quitting becomes an option because the thing that brought this far is now not having its effect.
I would suggest that when motivation is gone that we take a little time to reevaluate what it is we are trying to accomplish and bring it again into sharp focus. We have to never take our eyes off the prize no matter how discouraging things become and especially when motivation to continue is not so strong. This is the point when we have to decide what we really want and go for it.
Discipline is the motor, the enabler, the grease that will carry all of us. In bodybuilding there are days when going into the gym is a true challenge. Fatigue, hunger, soreness are things that discourage us and that make us question why we do what we do. When motivation is gone from my mind, I take the long look and remember how far I have come and where I want to go. I put my gym togs on and get out the door. On the way to the gym I do alot of self-talk. I focus on the workout at hand. I think of the results that are mine to have and belong to me. In short, my job is to make my body do what it does not want to do. I am the captain of my ship and nobody else can make it happen. I dig in and train like there’s no tomorrow.
I try to remember all the struggles that many champions had to go through to become champions. Ronnie Coleman, Tom Platz, and many others. They had to fight through periods of not winning and to keep their eyes on the prize in
the lonely and defeated times. My coach Justin Dees is forever telling me stories of great champions who had particular problems that they had to overcome to be the greats they became.
An example just happened to me regarding motivation and the requirement to implement discipline. I had very little mojo today prior to my workout. We have been moving into a new house, traveling to Asia, traveling to Washington, DC, a death in the family and the list goes on. So today was hard to get going. But, I went into the gym anyway. My first couple of sets were horrendously hard. But, after a few more sets I was back in the game. I had an epic workout. By the way, I don’t miss workouts. If I had given in to the lack of motivation, I would have set up a system of excuses.
Another place to look for a push forward are colleagues. Sometimes other guys/girls have been through what you are experiencing so don’t be afraid to ask them for some training advice. They just might surprise you with something that will get you over the hump and propel you along the path to your ultimate goal.
In closing always remember that every training session is different. Each session has it’s own lessons to teach us and rewards for us. When there isn’t much fire in the belly all of us has to bring personal self-mastery and discipline to the task at hand. It’s a very purposeful and focused exercise to keep us going when nothing else will. Motivation has limitations and sometimes our character will reveal itself based on the discipline level we call up from our hearts to continue. It is essential that we can divorce ourselves from motivation as the only motivator. More often than not, discipline is the power that moves mountains.
Six Pack and Senior 