In the last two years I picked up a key quote that defines what is required of me to succeed. “The Trophy is Earned in the Hours When Nobody is Watching”—Flex Lewis. I have learned to walk alone and to work alone on the things that will make me better. A crowd is no longer required for me. I disappear into my music on my headset and I push my body to do the work. It’s as if I am standing beside me as my physique is hammered into an attractive sculpture. This maxim has to be understood and accepted. Each of us in this world of bodybuilding must buy into the reality that much of the work has to be done alone. There will be nobody watching us so we have to hold ourselves accountable to get the trophy.
We all have to decide that whatever we want to accomplish will demand that we do it alone. This time alone is a struggle to do. We are all social creatures by design but there are times when the best that is within us has to be drawn out by sheer personal effort. I love the crowds of other muscle heads hanging around while I train. However, I learned a long time ago from my coach, Justin Dees, that if you allow people to burn up your training time by socializing then I am responsible for allowing my training time to be stolen. Others do not appreciate our valuable time. This training time is mine and I cannot let it be squandered by others.
The solution for me is found in Four Basic Maxims; 1.) Don’t miss workouts. 2.) Do not talk during training. 3.) I make it a point to work harder than anybody else in the gym. 4.) When I leave the gym I leave with the attitude that says, “I own this place!”
The key thought in this article is that our struggle to be better is done by us ALONE. We have to decide that being alone and training hard is the best way to advance. It is here that our heart is tested. We have to define much of what we do with nobody around. When I meet with Justin Dees my coach I try to pick his brain about better ways to do exercises. He has corrected many a misconception that I had regarding everything from organization, posing, biomechanics of exercises, and focusing on intensity. I then have returned to my world of bodybuilding isolation to practice and perfect what he has suggested/instructed.
Let me balance this push for seclusion with the admonition to get a sound training partner. It is good to have a circle of friends and colleagues that encourage us and support us. But, as I’ve explained the focus is on us and our training.
In closing, I and all of you must adapt and continue our training and efforts in total seclusion at times. This is the crucible that molds our character. This is where we meet ourselves and God. Reaching deep means drawing on our inner strength. Alone is the place where champions are born. I encourage all of us to learn to “Walk Alone” to win.
Until next time, I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 