I have found that the moment I stop worrying about what others think about me, my fear of performance is lowered. Going a step further, when we only see ourselves as mere mortals we are handicapped. What and who I am is shaped by many factors, not the least of which is our spirit that we brought with us into this world. It is the foundation of all that we are and guides us intuitively as we are exposed to many of life’s experiences and the lessons they teach us. These experiences help to define us and to make us better or worse. No matter what, the net effect is that we are who we are and we are shaped by many factors.
When we seek to advance or to change our circumstances either in battle, business, marriage or friendships we often have to reach deep to win. Part of reaching deep is to forget all the limitations that we think we have that shackle us and our performance. The total focus must be on the task and the goal without regard to ourselves and our limitations. We have to see that which we must become to win. Looking over our personal resources at the time of contest is a waste of time. We will become that which is required. There is no other way to fight or to move forward.
“My prayer is that when I die, all hell rejoices that I am out of the fight”—C.S. Lewis. This quote and forgetting ourselves is the fuel that must be in place to win. As we become that which we might become in the face of battle or personal trials there has to be an emptying of ourselves and a deep desire to push back on all things that limit us.
These facts have, to one degree or another, become the fabric of my efforts in bodybuilding. When I worry about me I do terribly. When I release this person called Doug I can then step into the person that I can win with. When I go on stage I try to forget me and I try to project the best of what I have to the judges and the audience. I’m not perfect at this mindset but I’m getting better. I look forward to the next contest to put the person I might become to the test.
In closing, I encourage all of us to look only at what we want for ourselves rather than worrying about what we are and what we don’t have. Focus! This is our time and we dare not squander it by artificially limiting ourselves with poor self esteem and the baggage it requires us to carry.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 