I believe this with all my heart. You see, before I start anything new I have to spend a considerable amount of time thinking about whether the goal is worth the effort to pursue. I wholeheartedly recommend that before a person decides to do bodybuilding seriously that they get alone and try to resolve in their own hearts that this journey is worth it. Next step is to determine that looking back is forbidden because it is counter productive. There’s a reason why Lot’s wife was told not to look back toward Sodom and Gomorrah. Sure, she was turned to a pillar of salt but the underlying principle was/is don’t look back and “long for” the good old days when life was so easy and unchallenging. This new adventure is hard but it holds some of the richest lessons and rewards a person can reap from the effort. The next little item is to put together a plan and get organized. Nothing happens by accident and nobody is going to do it for you. At this point, getting a coach or a trainer is vital to putting it all together in a directed fashion.
Now, the question is still on the table regarding obstacles that we must face to help us decide whether it (bodybuilding or any other endeavor is worth it). Most obstacles fall into two categories: 1.) Want to or Willing to. 2.) Physical limitations. My experience has taught me that almost all failures or successes begin with with a “gut check” to establish how badly we want it. That time alone is where this occurs. We have to start with a great big gut full of want to. A Phd is long, hard, psychologically taxing and sometimes seemingly unattainable. When you want to quit is when you reach deep to see how badly you want it. Bodybuilding is no different. Pain, injuries, discouragement, disillusionment, impatience can steal your progress and threaten winning. Nothing matters if you cannot get by these “obstacles” that will certainly present themselves. Now is not the time to look back. Lower your head, concentrate, and figure out what it will take to go on to the goal.
As noted, physical limitations pretty much precludes any further consideration to continue in bodybuilding sometimes. Old injuries, blindness, paralysis, disease all can alter a person’s “want to” in a big way. This is not to say there aren’t things and goals that can’t be reached for anybody with physical limitations. This group must carefully select their ultimate goals within the confines of their limitations. That’s all! The same process of determining that what is desired is worth it applies. The journey is just different in ways that we who have fewer physical limitations cannot even begin to imagine.
Bottom Line: The biggest hurdle to overcoming obstacles to attain greatness in our lives is found in the beginning as we evaluate how much “want to” is required to attain the goals we reach for. Physical limitations are real but cannot be allowed to eliminate us from life. Goals have to change but the overcoming of obstacles is paramount to success.
Get a goal. Get a large load of “want to.” Never look back. Press on to the goal. This is our time. Choose wisely and burn brightly to overcome and win.
Six Pack and Senior 