SPARTAN SERIES # 165: “AMATEURS TRAIN UNTIL THEY GET IT RIGHT—-PROFESSIONALS TRAIN UNTIL THEY CANNOT GET IT WRONG!”

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“A TRUISM THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED”

When we were growing up doing sports we were. told to do things over and over again until we got it right. We were also told that this is our goal—to get it right! We worked we slaved, we did the extra foot work, we did the extra take downs, we ran the extra stairs, we spent massive amounts of time in the batting cage. All this helped and our performance rose to new heights. But, in bodybuilding and especially related to posing, we can’t just assume because we did the pose correctly a couple of times. We quickly learn that from one execution of a pose to the next we are not anywhere near perfect or good enough to stand on that stage and perform in front of thousands of people. Our arms are ending up in weird positions. Our shoulders drop during a turn. We flex our traps when we really ought to be presenting a square set of shoulders. We release our legs and they become smooth as we focus on an unrelated body part. Wow! The little things that destroy our ego and our performance are legion. My wife said to me several times after doing turns that my arm came across like it was a noodle. No life, nonchalant, unattached to the effort required to project competence and confidence. Ouch! I think I slept on the floor that night because she hurt my ego and my feelings. In my mind I was doing it right. However, in reality doing it right is only the beginning. A coach told me one time that we play like we practice. This was an eye opener. You can’t just go through the motions. So! Get it right and keep it right! Also, be looking for ways to make it “snap”–bring the crowd to their feet because you project greatness! Get your head into the posing routine and do it each time like it was on stage. Leave nothing to chance. Put on your game face in front of the mirror. Impress you posing coach (in this case, it is my wife). Make your coach believe in you. When you do that you are getting close to being ready. Remember this maxim: “Nobody works harder than you do.” This must become a FACT no just a belief.

Bottom Line: Repetition is key but maximum flawless effort is KING! If we do this we will win under any circumstances. You can never do it wrong is the goal. Neve settle for good when GREATNESS is within reach. It’s always your choice…..

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