How many times have you heard people declare that they would like to start training but they don’t have time, or I don’t want to get big I just want to get toned, or I will start after (you fill in the blank). The list of reasons why “NOT TO START” is endless. Hell, all of us used many of these same excuses ourselves before we came face to face with ourselves regarding training. In reality, there is always a ready reason to not do what we ought to do. It’s easy to utter non-sense than to invest in the effort to be better. Let’s just extend this to any challenge in life that presents itself. Conventional wisdom is that nothing gets done until you decide that it’s worth doing or required.
In my life I had to get over the notion that “I’m too old.” Or “at my age I could get hurt.” Another one is that “People who know me would think I’m living out a fantasy and I just won’t ever grow up.” So, you see we let other people’s opinions of us cause paralysis and we return to the predicable world that is expected of us by a legion of naysayers. Thus, nothing is done and we are miserable for having caved. I have to admit that getting started required that I develop my own self-talk and my own mantras that played in my head to keep me going. I had to decide that I don’t care what others say and that “this is my decision and my life.” Some have said that I do bodybuilding and other things that seem big and out of reach because I want others to like me. My effort must match the degree of acceptance that I perceive is needed.
Cutting to the chase. This is my time and it is your time to shine at whatever you decide is important. Let’s not waste time worrying about the opinions of others who are also stuck in their world of mediocrity with no way out. Each of us has great things inside us that need to be advanced. I love bodybuilding. I have wanted to integrate it into my life for decades and I finally took the plunge despite being “too old” and “refusing to grow up” as my critics have said. You love something that is on your heart to do. Now is your time! Start and never look back. Make no apologies. The naysayers will melt away as you accomplish that for which you are called. Break the imposed mold of expectation and reach for the adventure that belongs to only you. Don’t be a critic but rather be an advocate for excellence and daring.
In closing, “THIS IS OUR TIME. LIFT WHERE YOU STAND AND START. NEVER BACK DOWN” May all of us answer the call of our passions. Critics will be silenced and many will be blessed because of your courage and tenacity to excel in the face of horrific criticism and antagonism. See you on the other side winning!!
Six Pack and Senior 