The love of sport pulls us incessantly. The sense of accomplishment intoxicates, especially days when you manage a personal best (P.B). That gratification intensifies and reciprocates when witnessed by a training partner or coach. That shared elation feeds the beast within you. More times than not, there is no witness, there is no video and the beast must feed itself.

There are days when you know you can move 500 lbs but you can barely move 300; you continue. Days when muscle pain and injuries beckon you to remain laying upon the couch, instead anxiety sets in because your brain and nervous system systematically react from toxic withdrawal. A bad day of lifting is better than a day of no lifting. The motivation to add one pound of weight each week or even over a month, drives you.

No one knows/understands your addiction; that beast within you that compels you to lift. Lift with a broken finger, pulled muscles; in my case persistent fibro myalgia, or in my youth I worked out three days after an emergency appendectomy.

We’ve all been there when after weeks or months of training, you P.B. Your body is strong, your mind is strong, you are invincible; but two days later a three-week cold and flu reverses 3-5 months of hard effort.

We’ve been there, the addiction draws us back. Your motto: “add another pie”!

The mind, your brain adapts just as your muscles. You must develop your mind with continued learning. Read and learn; start with a subject that interests you. Later expand your intellect outside the box. Do not forget your spiritual health, study the Bible and allow it to open your mind. Pray on its words and positive thinking. It will reward you in ways you never imagined.

When your mind is strong, your body will be strong. Work the mind as much as work for strength and your heart of sport. Each will return, you will be stronger for it.

I have never known a really successful man who deep in his heart did not understand the grind, the discipline it takes to win. Vince Lombardi.