As I mentioned in my last article, here is my final list
of success factors.
Visualize
To really believe that you "can" achieve a goal that you have
defined, requires that you can visualize yourself obtaining
it. Whether it be adding size to your legs or getting that
six pack (or even 8 pack) abdominals, you must see yourself
having obtained them. After every competition, I have found
success by taking a moment each day to visualize how I wanted
to look for the next competition.
Using critiques from the judges, my peers, as well as my own personal criticisms, I built
an image in my mind of how I would look for the next competition.
Remember the saying, "You have to see it to believe it"? It
has worked for me. Every great accomplishment was initially
just a simple vision that became a reality.
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Think about it.
Everything that you accomplish, whether it is owning that
"dream" home, driving that "dream" car, having that "dream"
job, it all started with a vision as to what that "dream"
was. The same applies in bodybuilding. Have a clear and
realistic vision and make that vision "real".
Tenacity
"Tenacious D" is what they call me. A fitting description I
guess. Tenacity is defined by Webster's as "steadfast singleness of
purpose, as in the pursuit of a goal, despite difficulties or obstacles".
This is the doctrine that is adopted by anyone who has managed to
succeed after experiencing failure. Many times I failed in
my attempts to achieve my goals in bodybuilding. I was told
that I needed to be more defined.
I was told I needed more rounded shoulders. I was told I needed "blocked" abs. I was
told I needed deeper separations in my legs. All these things
could have made me throw my hands up and quit. That would have
been the easy way out. Instead, it became my driving force.
What I first thought to be de-motivating criticisms were transformed
into helpful hints to success.
As I mentioned in my previous
article, take the criticisms to heart and be determined to
improve the next time. Your tenacity will be tested time
and time again and will get stronger as you go. Just don't
give up!!! Strengthen your resolve to overcome obstacles that
are placed in front of you.
Consistency
Developing and maintaining a consistent lifstyle was key in
my first year of bodybuilding. It didn't come easy and it
was a real learning experience. In order to provide quality-time
in every aspect of my life and at the same time achieve my
bodybuilding goals, I had to be consistent.I developed a
plan that detailed my daily schedule.
My schedule was identical Monday-Sunday for the most part. I would eat my meals at around
the same times every day. I would train immediately after work
each day. I would practice posing following my training sessions.
I would prepare for the next day.
My life was pretty much like
clockwork. This made it easier to accomplish all that I needed
to accomplish in only 24 hours. Boring you might say? Sometimes it
was, however, the benefits far out-weighed my boredom.
During,
the old spontaneous and inconsistent lifestyle I led, I was far
less disciplined when it came to diet and training. It was nothing
for me to go out on a Friday night, have a hamburger and fries
(Biggy Size of course!), and then go to a club and have a few
beers. I'd be out so late that it was impossible for me to
make it to the gym the next day much less make it out of bed
to eat that early meal I needed after fasting all night.
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The
fact that I became more consistent led to more discipline
which allowed me to follow my plan. I'm now able to balance all
the interests I have without sacrificing my bodybuilding goals
and I don't even have to think about it. It has become my
lifestyle.
Appreciate
It is important to remember those who helped to get you where
you are. Many times it is easy to take for granted those that
supported you when you needed it the most. Whether it be God, family,
friends, co-workers, training partners, it is paramount to show
your appreciation for them being there for you during the
hard-times (ie. carb-depletion hell!!).
In saying that, I'd
like to thank those who helped me when I didn't realize I needed
it. I want to thank those who put up with me when I was hard
to deal with. I want to thank each and every person that I
competed with. Without you (my peers) we could not exist.
We make each other better each time. You are who push me to
be the best that "I" can be.
I'd like to thank the promoters
for doing what they do so that we have a place to showcase our
hard work. I'd like to thank each and every judge who takes
time after a competition to stay and provide constructive
criticisms to those not afraid to ask. I'd like to thank
Roger and Sandy of Beverly International for taking time to
assist me with my diet. During the final week of dieting for
the Governor's Cup, I went through a time where I almost
gave in to my cravings.
I emailed Roger about it and he
took the time not only to respond but told me about a
competitor who had just lost an overall championship
that he otherwise would have won had he just stayed on his
diet. That was all I needed to hear. Finally, thank you
bodybuilding.com for providing a medium so that we have
a place to share experiences, learn from, and interact with
other bodybuilders throughout the world!!!
Inspiration
My last success factor involves inspiration. When my
father passed away I was inspired "spiritually". Up until
that day, I always took life for granted. I always put things
off for another day thinking that someday I would try this or
try that. If it didn't involve some immediate financial benefit,
I felt it could wait. After his death, I realized what only
those who lose a person close to them realize.
I realized that life
is only temporary and I should make every effort to make all
my dreams come true. I remember my father being upset one
day during his war with cancer and expressing to me that he wished he had just a little more time to enjoy his retirement.
He had retired a little over a year before he passed. As I
remember, he worked hard all of his life. Sometimes he held two jobs
just to make "ends meet".
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Can you imagine how it would feel
if you worked almost your entire life expecting to retire
in order to then pursue your dreams but then your life is cut
short? It was what made me decide that, if I can help it, I will
never look back and say, "I wish I had...". That is the most
valuable gift he could ever give me and I don't know if he knew it.
it. Make all your dreams come true.
Stay tuned for my next article where I talk about my training and
diet!!!
"There are no failures in life. Only people who give up to soon."
Thanks,
wnbfprofessional@aol.com
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