It takes a some serious courage to push for serious heights. How many people can you think of that said that they are training to break world records (seriously)? How many people write down that their desire is to be the fastest, strongest, or best athlete in the world? Not too many have to courage to state that desire. I think that's the problem. We as human beings are complacent in nature. We like to do the minimum requirements to maintain our lives, and vicariously experience success and improvement through the few others that do take the leap and make the name for themselves. The hard work, the time, the sacrifices are what scare people. They are confronted by the first plateau or obstacle and their will is broken as if it never existed and then begin to justify why it's okay for them to just be average. Complacency is a poison that destroys progress and inspiration. Becoming complacent is the worst thing someone can let happen in their lives.

It's easy to become complacent because it can happen through many different means. The justification of failure, ease of competition, lack of an environment, and many other things can cause you to become complacent of the situation that we find ourselves. It is extremely difficult to maintain the focus and drive necessary to push for the goals that not many are even willing to consider. Too many excuses can divert you from skipping that day of training, or not pushing that last rep. Because of the ease to accept your justifications, the effort to overcome these set backs is greater. And one of the best ways to accomplish this is to properly set the stage for your end goal.

Setting the stage is a very important concept, you train and you train and you have goals that you are pursuing, but you have to establish a goal that isn't just a number, not just a single aspect of your fitness, but something that will make a difference in your life. Living in a country where sports other than traditional football are followed and supported, it's frustrating to see the lack of enthusiasm for other athletes who work their hardest and win yet are only recognized when the medal is placed upon their necks. But this environment is also the perfect example of the proper kinds of goals and motivation. These athletes don't accomplish these goals for others, they are in pursuit of making history, seen or unseen. And the fact that people don't give any support only strengthens their resolve and makes them that much better. They take the extra steps and take the extra time to set their stage to accomplish their goal.

Setting the stage has lately been an important step in my training, trying to find a sport to participate in and something to apply my training has required some time studying and trying different things. I have been writing down things I've done, things I want to do, things I've accomplished, and things that I want to achieve. It's allowed me to save money, make a plan and set my stage to pursue something that not everyone is willing to go after. Anyone can get stronger, but it takes courage to want to revolutionize sport. Before I can even think about working towards something like that, my stage must be set ready for my performance! Yours must be set as well!

Every Day... A Little Stronger