Any of us who have lived through difficult times or who have desired to be better knows this truth. Letting go after losing, making a solemn personal promise, or coming to the end of ourselves (the prodigal son or the every man’s story) understands that in order to move in another and better direction requires us to throw away something that is causing a drag on us. Let’s take the prodigal son as a first example, When he came to himself and realized that even the lowest of his father’s animals were better off than he was, he determined to go home and beg to be part of his father’s house again and be forgiven for being so arrogant and stupid. A truly bad situation to be in but he did what he had to do. He became a better son and a better person. He had to die too himself.
Bringing the conversation back to bodybuilding there are times when we are getting killed, injured or are languishing while others are blowing the doors off. We feel defeated and there seems to be no way forward. It’s here that we have to submit ourselves to others whom we trust and who know what we need. This is a tough pill to swallow. Our egos take a severe beating at this point.
It’s not that we don’t care but being able to recognize when we need help and are smart enough to ask for it and act on it. Always remember that when we need something more we often have to let something we have counted on as important to die and go away. We do this because this thing (personality trait, false belief, friendships, and sometimes marriages) are no longer enhancing our lives or enabling forward progress. The storm must occur and we must lose in order to rise again as a much better person and a more determined soul to progress and to be better.
This whole process is extremely painful and there is no guarantee of success but the choice, the action, and the consequences have to be made. Another way to say it: You can take a chance and act when it’s obvious to do so or you can stay where you are and live on your knees with a heavy chain of regret.
In the gym, look for the road forward and do what’s required. Listen to the wisdom of those who have gone before. Let that part of you die that is making you doubt and to remain the same.
Be better by losing that which keeps you from rising again and being better. Fear of losing what we have is a heavy burden but living with and bearing the burden of regret extinguishes the spirit. You will be a much better version of yourself…..Don’t believe anything less!
Six Pack and Senior 