It’s obvious when I walk into the gym and nobody seems surprised that I have become a regular fixture. Many people who train at the same time I do greet me with, “Good morning Colonel.” or “Hi Doug, What are you working today.” The beauty of getting to the gym each day is that eventually your peers and friends and even my competitors get the message that I am serious and this is not the time to socialize.
Also, these same people and many others start offering unsolicited compliments on how I look. “You’re looking huge and veiny Dude” is a common theme. As Arnold said, “I carry my trophy with me.” Another item that goes alongside consistency is competition in local, state, and national contests. It seems that doing this raises me to a new level. My consistency is now linked to my end game which is to eventually compete and win. Others in the gym began to see me in a much more positive light when they had put it all together.
The title of this article, “Want to be Respected? Be Consistent” is the backbone of any accomplishment. Sure we want to compete and win but in order for others to respect me that have to see that I regularly show up at the gym (my place of work) and that I put out Herculean effort to be better. To lead people you first must earn their respect. I can point to a dozen or maybe two dozen guys who have followed my example and discussed their goals with me who are now regular competitors. This fact alone ignites in me a spirit to keep going and to not let these guys down by giving up and quitting. They see this and they continue to toil to be better right beside me.
My Coach, Justin Dees has divided my effort mindset into two parts: 1.) . To build muscle you have to be CONSISTENT. 2.) To get shredded you have to be disciplined. This little one-two punch has cleared up any misconceptions about where I am in my training. My personal mantra regarding Consistency: 1.) Never Missing Workouts. 2.) Not talking during training 3.) Working harder than anyone else in the gym with me. 4.) Looking back over my shoulder as I leave and saying, “I own this place!”
On a personal note. I am much older than most bodybuilders that I compete against. It gives me great satisfaction to beat them. However, just as satisfying is when they say, “I hope that when I am your age I can look like you.” To me this is a moment of respect that is being extended to me. For these things I am grateful. I look forward to the next show just because it’s fun and I get to push myself to the edge and learn. Win, lose, or draw, I am here and I am in the best shape of my life and I’m ready.
In closing I want to encourage all of us who take on huge challenges in any area of life, to be CONSISTENT in attacking the challenge. Win or Lose, along the way you will earn the respect from many friends, relatives, and even enemies alike. Never take the short cut. Nobody likes a cheater.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 