Most of us can related to this little gem. If you want something bad enough we will do almost anything to get it. Can you remember when you just had to see your girlfriend during the early days of “puppy love” and her parents seemed hell bent on keeping you out of the picture? Of course you can! Remember the chances you took just to hear her voice, see her, hold her hand, smooch her and to inhale her essence? The whole experience was intoxicating. You would scratch on the screen to her room until she came to the window. The rest was “MADNESS” but worth every risk, every moment to possess her attention. Boom! Life was suddenly alive and all “MADNESS” was put into play…..We win!
In the world of bodybuilding there are so many parallels to this story. At first, it was trying it out. Then, it was a regular thing. Then there were goals. Then there were plans. The plans took on a life of their own. Then, the first show came around and “MADNESS” took over. You would hide your intentions so as not to be ridiculed. You may even workout twice per day. Once with all your gym buddies and then late at night when there was nobody watching. Without thinking you filled out the applications for the NPC Card, then the selected show. Too late to go back now. Nobody really knows except a select few.
The day of the show arrives. You make up some excuse about being out of the loop for a day or so. “MADNESS” reigns with every minute of preparation. Nobody does this sort of thing you tell yourself. However, here you are!
When you are waiting to go up on stage you’re terrified about the whole experience. You secretly want to do well but also you don’t want to be discovered by those who can render judgment and hurt you and say out loud while laughing at you, “I told you so!”
“MADNESS” prevails! Up you go along with the other competitors. Your heart pounds. You sweat. You entertain every fear you have ever had. You do the poses, turns, you flex, you grunt and when it’s done you exit to the right….Relieved! You made it.
Just know that nothing in life and certainly in bodybuilding is accomplished without extreme risk and a “TOUCH OF MADNESS!” Nobody, sets out on a journey knowing the end. But, more often than not, we and many others talk ourselves out of the journey because of the fear of the unknown. But, it is precisely here that our “MADNESS” must save us from our life of quiet desperation. We take the step toward what we want knowing full well we might not make it. But, the “MADNESS” required will be worth it and we begin to believe it and so we do it. The victory belongs to he who prepares and is willing to get into the arena.
Nothing is for sure in life and bodybuilding is an object lesson in this universal truth. But, in order to live the “EVERY MAN’S STORY” we have to do the irrational/MAD thing to get it done and to win.
I wish the best. for all of us who are willing to exercise “MADNESS” to be our best or to touch that which others have defined as unreachable. Start and never look back. Nobody can take it away but you can surrender your dream by not exercising a “TOUCH OF MADNESS!”
Six Pack and Senior 