Spartan Series #79 “discipline must define us or we die of regret”

Basics and the Start

As I look at the things that I have accomplished in my life, they have all occurred because I “chose” to win or at the very least I dared to step onto the field of contest. Baseball has always been a part of my life. Sitting on the bench “wishing” I could be on the field has never been an option. I used to sit expectantly on the bench hoping the coach would notice me and see my willingness to give it my all. More often than I would like to admit…..I was ignored and forgotten. The game would end and I would carry my baseball glove home alone. It was not what I anticipated or wanted.

The Lesson

Then, after awhile it occurred to me that I would never be selected simply because I showed up. I decided to be pro-active and “Prepare” to be selected. I played catch against the wall by myself. I got into as many pick up games as possible. I played catch and shagged fly balls. I was getting better and I knew it. Then, I got my chance when I was just 11. First organized baseball game I ever played and I hit one out of the park. Got a single. Drove in 3 runs. Made 2 shoe string catches in the outfield. Result! I made the all star team playing with much older kids. I Got a full spread article in the local news paper. This one single event set the tone for the rest of my athletic life and life in general. Hall of Fame Football Coach from the University of Alabama, Bear Bryant said it best, “Winning?! Hell! Everybody wants to win but winning is reserved for him who prepares to win.”
Boom! All formulas were solved! The golden rule for winning is “PREPARATION.”

The Gym

In the gym I keep to myself and train with intent. I know what I want to accomplish with each workout and I’ve worked it through on paper before I start. I train alone so I have nobody to blame for under training or failure except myself. I want to win so I employ the basics of “DISCIPLINE”

1.) I decide that winning is what I want

2.) Then, I devise a plan to get from where I start to my end goal.

3) Execution! The plan has to be adhered to daily….I don’t miss workouts!

4.) I set my will “LIKE FLINT” toward to stated goal. Nothing gets in my way.

5.) When I have “WON” I am able to look back to the the things that I had to do well. It all took personal “DISCIPLINE”…..”REGRET” at this point has no place in my mind, my life, my soul. Even if I did not “WIN” I know that “DISCIPLINE” had its full freedom to cause greatness to emerge.

Never forget that “DISCIPLINE” will steer you away from “REGRET” which is the same as death to me.

When you run out of talent “DISCIPLINE” will take you home.