Hardwork + Dedication + Diet + Exercise = Success

This mood is merely a test.  This has been a test to see how badly I want it.  For instance, when I woke up yesterday in this mood I was sorely tempted to avoid my cardio workout.  Instead, I made the right choice in spite of the pressure that was on me.  The same happened today.  I got up and hit the gym with a fierce drive.  I literally pounded my body into submission today.

From the email I received today:  “Anyone can look good when things are going well and everyone is watching.  What happens when things are not going well and no one is watching?  The answer to that question says something about an important, but forgotten quality that is at work in your life even at this moment. It is the quality of character that is continuing to develop and strengthen you for whatever is up ahead.  Embrace it, it always has much to say and much to teach us.”

I am a warrior because I made the right choices even when things were not at their best.  I am not going to apologize for that.  I am going to embrace this situation and see what it is trying to teach me.  I will take what I learn and apply it into the future.

Today has been a very stressful day.  I've been feeling kind of down.  I had a very hard time sleeping through the night.  I still dragged myself to the gym early this morning for my cardio workout, but something is missing today and I'm not sure what it is.  I'm also not clear on the source of my stress.  I get this strong feeling that something just isn't right in my world.

This is not a good thing with my mission hitting the mid point.  I am not going to allow my mood to change my focus.  I will dig down deep and do the things that propel me forward.  I have PRWs, but they do no good if I am not doing something daily to further them.  That's my state of mind today.

If you are used to my usual upbeat posts, this is not going to be one of your favorites.  I assure you that.

Everybody that was around me today noticed my mood.  I suppose that's a good sign because it means I'm rarely ever in this sort of mood.  I just wish I knew what was the cause of it.  Physically I feel good, but mentally I'm exhausted.  I am looking forward to my workout in the morning.  I need to push some heavy weight around to feel better.  I know that for an hour between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. I will be working as hard as I possibly can work and that thought makes me feel a little bit better.

I have found that bodybuilding is an extremely complex sport.  There are many various systems that can be used.  A bodybuilder can train in a variety of ways.  Combinations of the systems and methods are used for different reasons.  It is truly mind-boggling at first. 

As you get more into bodybuilding you find that it isn't quite as complex as you originally thought.  Instead of complexity, individuality comes to mind.  My good friend, Carlos DeJesus, inventory of the Quad Blaster, speaks alot about the Experiment of One.  He has explained to me that this is all about what works for you.

Today Carlos shared a quotation with me that really floored me but gave me clarity at the same time. 

“There are no rules in bodybuilding
Every man is a rule unto himself
It is important to remember that bodybuilding is one of the few sports where extremes are normal
No matter what anyone tells you, if it works for you, do it.  No one can tell you what is best for you”
–Carlos DeJesus

No matter what anyone tells you, if it works for you, do it. 

Pay attention to the above because it is quite profound. 

When you get involved in fitness and bodybuilding there are hundreds of people trying to tell you thousands of different things.  Everyone has the next big thing.  The 7 Minute Workout.  4 minute workouts.  Warp Speed.  There are many others. 

Along with those trying to be helpful come those who want to tear apart everything you try.  You want to try the Velocity Diet?  Don't dare tell one of the experts because they will have a million reasons why it is wrong.  No matter what anyone tells you, if it works for you, do it.  Don't worry about what they say.  Find out if it works for you and then do it again and again.

Is a ketogenic diet for you?  There are experts who will tell you it is a horrible idea.  They will list many different reasons why the body won't like it.  No matter what anyone tells you, if it works for you, do it.  Test the waters and if you find that your body responds, go for it!

You want to give Escalating Density Training a try?  Many people will tell you that it is a bad idea.  How can you truly gain muscle by forcing yourself to complete your exercise circuit in a set amount of time?  No matter what anyone tells you, if it works for you, do it.  Give Escalating Density Training 12 weeks of your workout time and see where you end up.