The following might be about bodybuilding — but it really isn’t:
About 6 years ago I interviewed John Meadows for an article I was writing. One of the questions was “If you could give some advice to the newer generation of bodybuilders, what would it be?”
Here are his answers:
1. The ever elusive search for the “secret”. Everybody thinks there is a magic pill, or magic protein, or magic workout. Here is the truth. You have to work hard at training and your diet, and above all, you have to be consistent. I never ever miss meals, and I didn’t miss a workout for…well, I can’t remember the last time I said to myself “I am just not gonna go in today.” Not part of mental psyche. If you start making excuses, you are done. You will do it more and more, as it gets easier to just brush things off. I have seen it hundreds of times. Now there are genetic freaks out there, that can get by with less, but I am speaking to the vast majority here. Stay disciplined, and be consistent, and guess what…this whole thing will be more fun too. You know why, because nothing is as fun and motivating as making progress.
2. Second, make it a point to seek out those who know more than you, and learn from them. Do that. Don’t sit there and spin your wheels when there are smart people out there who can help you get better. I have had a mentor or two for the last 19 years. Right now it’s Dr. Serrano, and will probably be for a long time, because he has forgotten more than I will ever know.
3. Lastly, don’t get dogmatic in your views. Don’t be its “my way or the highway” 100% of the time. I have news for you, you don’t know everything. I don’t, Shelby doesn’t, and you don’t. If you fall into that trap, learning will cease, and your progress will slow to a halt as well.
That comes from a Facebook posting by Shelby Starnes
So in short:
- There’s no magic/secret. It’s just hard work, consistent work, disciplined work.
- Seek out those who know more than you and learn from them.
- Don’t be dogmatic
And I’d add to #3, see #2.
This isn’t just about bodybuilding, this is about anything and everything in life that you want to be successful in.
Filed under: Life Tagged: Life
