I had an epiphany while in the weight room this morning. Of course, it was nearly 30-years too late for my football career, but I think it’s a pretty astute observation (particularly for 5 a.m.) :
Football games are won in the weight room.
I know, I know, football games are played on the field. Obviously game-day effort is the final decider of the final score. But it’s the little things done before hand that makes the difference. The sweat you pour into preparation waters victory.
It’s a good metaphor for life, too.
Every morning when I work out, I become more disciplined. More focused. I have more energy. I learn to give maximum effort. I learn to fight on and not quit. Exercise sharpens the blade.
When Clark tells me to do an exercise correctly, I listen. If Paul is unhappy I don’t do a curl correctly, I adjust. If we are running sprints, I bust it and try to come in first (I don’t because I am slow, but I finish respectfully.) Putting in effort at 5 a.m. is my warm-up for the rest of the day.
In my career, I compete against people who are equally (or more) talented than I am. But if I do the work beforehand, I will come out ahead. Exercise teaches me how to prepare.
Life is won in the weight room. And while running the stands, doing planks, burpees, mountain climbers, Indian runs, sprints, bear crawls, inch worms, and ladder runs.