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All of us “muscle heads” who have advanced in school to play sports at the next level understands that the next level requires a different mindset, a different effort level, a different way of doing things, a different perspective. All that we know right up to this next level seems to be old and outdated. We are not always smart but we do know that life has just changed for us if we want to continue playing the sport of our choice.
Some of the transition points are Freshman, Sophomore, Junior Varsity, Varsity. Then, in college it goes from high school to a large campus with superior athletes that want our jobs on the playing field, the court, or the mat. At each of these new levels is the demand that we grow up physically, psychologically, emotionally as our drive to excellence matures. To say it succinctly, “We have to bring a different version of you/me to the challenge.” We have to become the person/warrior that is not only different but “better” than the previous version of ourselves. Another way to say it is, “We are introduced to our OTHER selves.” That new and different you/me has to be up for the challenge and ready to compete in order to make it and stay there at the point of competition.
Dan Gable, the great Olympic Champion and 4 time NCAA wrestling Champion and Coach of the University of Iowa said it well, “My philosophy is to be always on the attack.” Never should one of his wrestlers rest on his point lead in a match or step onto the mat thinking he could wrestle any other way. In order to compete at this level you have to check the old warrior at the door. To be here in Gable’s world you have to demand a different me/you. When we attack another level we, quite literally, must become something new, different, and better. Our old glory days have to be forgotten. All that matters is this level and these goals. Anything less is a failure to understand the requirement to bring your new “YOU” to the dance.
In closing, always consider where you are going and what the objective is. By knowing when we make the transition from being a lower level competitor to a higher level monster we create the person we need to become to win. Bodybuilding is the epitome of constant change. With each level of change there is a personal price (demand) to be our best selves at stage time.
CHANGE IS REQUIRED BUT MORPHING INTO THE PERSON THAT IS DEMANDED TO APPEAR IS PARAMOUNT. There is no other way……Doug
Six Pack and Senior 