DISCLAIMER
Well let me first say that I want to talk about the concept of us “Designing Ourselves”.….My disclaimer is that this is not an advertisement but the picture communicates our topic.
THE WORLD OF VICTIMHOOD
Wow! What a bold statement by Frank Zane in the picture above. In a world where victimhood seems to be the order of the day, it is refreshing to focus on the thing(s) that we control and what it means to us individually. In the world of victimhood there are only excuses for not being what we want or for not looking our best. The Victim Mindset says, “It’s somebody else’s fault and therefore I am incapable of changing myself unless those responsible for my imperfection fix it.”
SELF DESIGN IS TOTALLY OUR RESPONSIBILITY
In the world of “Self Design” the entirety of the burden rests on our shoulders. We first must decide what we want. Then we have to make a plan to get what we want. Then, we have to begin taking the necessary actions to possess that which we seek. In the world of bodybuilding I have had to visualize the body I want. I have to keep that image in front of my mind always. I can never forget what I want in the end.
MY COACH JUSTIN DEES GUIDES, DIRECTS, AND DEMANDS MY BEST
My Coach, Justin Dees is forever feeding me information on what I am doing and why I am doing it. For instance once he said, “How are you going to get better if you train the same way every time?” So, I’ve taken his training regimen and I’ve increased reps or weight here and there for certain body parts to attain a particular look. I’ve changed my sequence sometimes just to get out of the rut. Anything to keep the excitement with experimentation going.
BE ALWAYS ON THE MOVE FORWARD BY BEING CONSISTENT
In this whole effort I and you have to keep an eye on our bodies so we can know what we are doing. I personally, like to take tons of pictures of myself training and posing. My wife handles this task. I also like to forward my pictures to my Coach for his perusal. Finally, Justin weighs me, measures my body fat, and looks me over at least every week or two. No matter what I think, his opinion is sacred and welcome. Each time I think I am really doing well, Justin delivers suggestions (and sometimes he orders me to change) on my physique, nutrition, and training. For this I am eternally grateful. I’m older and my time to compete and win is very limited. Because of Justin I will press forward to attain my best body to be competitive at any level.
START WHERE YOU ARE AND BEGIN THE “DESIGN OF YOURSELF”
In closing we have to ascertain where we are. Then we have to develop a plan. Lastly, we execute our plan. Along the way we need the input of a trainer who has your best interests at heart. This is where we are truly sitting at our master’s feet to learn. Always remember that we are responsible for establishing the design for our own bodies. This will determine what we look like, our respect, and ultimately it will define us because we designed ourselves.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 