This seems to be what I need to write about today and I’m betting this declaratiion is also what many others need to invoke. Let me explain. In the last several months I have had this overwhelming desire to just “stop!” Stop rying so hard. Stop feeding myself a stready diet of “can do” messages. Stop wanting more than I have. Stop pushing into new areas without a clear war forward. It’s any amazing sense of ‘GIVING UP.” —Man! I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. However, I kept repeating a truth that I picked up about 3 years ago as I wrote one of these articles. “WHEN MOTIVATION IS ABSENT—DISCIPLINE MUST TAKE OVER!” I have faithfully trained everyday even when my heart was not in it. I pulled up a mantra that I have used with each workout. I’d repeat to myself, “DO THE WORK!” Thus, as I pulled against the psychological inertia, times and feelings and focus have changed. Hell, I was making gains that I refused to see or just didn’t notice. One of my gym buddies said out loud in front of others, “Hey brother you look like you are ready again!” That one little comment helped me turn the corner…..I’m back in the game!
I was so stupid to allow myself to fall under the spell of, “IT’S OVER! GO HOME!” I’m here to tell you that discipline and a private mantra and a word of encouragement can turn around a self-inflicted sense of defeat. It’s been tough! But, then that’s why bodybuilders (male and female) are special people. The fight is daily to advance, and keep all we have worked for. My admonition to all of us is this. Find the personal reason WHY you do what you do and then —- NEVER GIVE UP! This is your time and this is your life. Do not surrender it to anything or anybody. Least of all do not wound yourself with doubt.
In bodybuilding we push ourselves into areas of stress that leads to success without hesitation. Many people will never understand but we who do this always understand. I missed some key shows this past year as I passed through this fog. Not this year! Let all of us set our sights on that which we want and never look back. Relax! Enjoy the ride and the win. “NEVER GIVE UP!”
Six Pack and Senior 