New Year's Day to June zooms by before we know it. As we get caught up in our day to day lives, many of us have lost track of the goals we set for ourselves this year. It doesn't matter what those goals are; whether fitness related, such as losing 10 pounds or running a half marathon or something different like learning to speak a new language. As we reach the year's half way mark, many of us desperately scramble to get our act together before summer vacation starts. The bad news is that we have strayed from our plan; the good news is that it is never too late get back on track. In order to succeed this time, you must build your team with the three key players that will help ensure you reach your goal. Let me explain this in the context of my own personal experience some years ago when my goal was to compete in my first bodybuilding competition.
I had been interested in fitness since I was a teen. Like most other kids that age, I started at home, doing pushups and pull-ups from one of those bars you attach to your door. I was hooked. I eventually joined my first gym. I trained on my own, getting most of my information from books and magazines. But without a real purpose, I trained because I liked it. This kept on for many years, and eventually it grew stale. I needed a challenge; more than a challenge, I needed a goal. That was when I decided to enter my first bodybuilding competition. The decision to do it was easy; the journey to completion was a bit more challenging. Looking back now, I realize that my success can be attributed to three key people that helped me to achieve what I had set out to do:
My Role Model - We understand the importance of being a good role model, to our kids, our co-workers, or our friends. But somewhere along the way, we lose sight of the importance of HAVING a role model. We can set aside any idealistic definitions of what a role model should be. A role model is simply someone who has achieved a status or quality that you wish to imitate. This status doesn't have to be grandiose, and your role model doesn't have to come from a list of celebrities. Great role models can be found all around us. Through a series of random events I became friends with a man from Canada. He had 2 kids and a full-time job as a teacher. He was also as passionate about exercise as I was. Through his on-line journal I learned about his experience getting ready, and eventually completing his first bodybuilding competition. If I remember correctly, he didn't place high in the rankings, but he had completed his goal. How could a father of 2, with family responsibilities, and a full time job find the time to take on such a challenge? I had found my role model. If my friend could do it, why couldn't I?
My Coach - Now that you have a role model you are on your way, right? Wrong. Having a model doesn't really change anything. Aside from knowing that someone else has accomplished what you want to do, you may still not know how. In my case, I had all the pieces of the puzzle, I knew how to perform all the exercises and how to track my diet, but how did they all fit together? I needed someone to guide me, a coach who could help ensure that I was in the right path. As I searched for someone to mentor me, I came across a variety of people. All very highly qualified, but they didn't all fit the role. A coach has to be someone you can trust, someone you can relate to, and someone that has been where you are going. After all, you are placing your success in their hands, so you need to choose your coach wisely. In my search, I came across a trainer, who eventually became a friend. We were similar in age, yet he had been a competitive bodybuilder for over 12 years. As soon as I started training with his guidance I noticed the difference. I had better control over my workouts, and was getting a better grasp of my diet. I had found my coach.
My Sponsor - With a good role model and a good coach, you are finally on your way, right? Wrong again. Your direction is clear, and you have someone to lead the way, but who is watching your pace? Regardless of your goal, there will be periods of time when your role model or your coach are not around. You will rely on your own discipline to stay the course and keep moving forward. But sometimes, when the going gets tough, you need someone to cheer you on. A sponsor can be friend, a spouse, or a co-worker; anyone who understands the importance of your goal. For me, my sponsor was my wife. During my 16 weeks of preparation, there were times when doubt would set in. Every time, she would help me refocus on my goal and remind me to check in with my coach. I had found my sponsor.
That period of my life was a huge learning experience. I learned a lot about myself, from a physical and mental perspective. But most important, I learned about the importance of putting together the right team. Whether it is a fitness goal like mine, or any other type of goal it is important to surround yourself with the right group of people; a role model, a coach, and a sponsor. I encourage each of you to regain focus on this year's goal. As you set sail once again make sure to arm yourself with your three key players; one to look up to, one to teach you, and one to hold you to your course... As always, if I can fill any one of those roles on your team, you can count me in.
