The Process

Let me start by saying I understand there are exceptions to every rule. I understand that there are people in this world that are in great physical shape because of their own pain and suffering; continually living an unhappy life. I’ll also agree that there are numerous overweight and obese individuals living happy and fulfilling lives. These few are not the topic of discussion today.

Exceptions aside, today I’d like to talk about the ones who seem to have it all together. The most muscular, the most fit, the most toned and seemingly the happiest people in the gym.

In my years of visiting gyms, meeting people, and attempting to soak in as much knowledge as possible I’ve came to this conclusion: the most successful people in the gym, or life, have one thing in common: they fell in love with the process. So, what does this mean? It means they don’t get caught up in wins and losses. They don’t waste energy on “what ifs”. They don’t focus solely on success; and they’re not afraid of failure. They simply love putting in the work. Some may call it the grind, some may call it the hustle, but whatever you call it; it is all part of the process. When you learn to love the process, you can stop focusing on all the noise and live in the moment. Not to mention, when you enjoy what you’re doing you’ll be inclined to do more of it.

“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” …we’ve all heard it. This can be applied to more than just that job you spend your time at between the hours of nine and five. I’m talking about your health and your fitness. Like most things this is easier said than done. You can’t just snap your fingers and fall in love with the gym grind. I often find myself answering questions from others about my motivation, dedication, etc. If you know me you’re probably aware of the crazy lengths I’ll go to get my training in. It all boils down to one factor; I love it! I’ve always considered myself lucky in the sense that I thoroughly enjoy going to the gym. The fact that I can find pleasure in something that most of the populations deems painful feels like a blessing to me. As I look back through the years, however, I realize that my ‘luck’ was earned.

While I’ve been lifting weights since I was barely a teenager it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I fell in love with the process. I went through a series of events that year that would change my life forever, I just hadn’t realized it yet. At 17 years, I learned my first real life lessons; and I learned them in the school of hard knocks called the weight room.

So, you’re not the most talented; maybe you just need to work harder. So, you don’t have the best genetics; maybe you just need to be willing to do what others won’t. So, you don’t understand things others grasp easily; maybe you just need to ask more questions. So, it takes you longer to finish your work than others; maybe you just need to show up earlier.

For the first time in my life it hit me. Everything is earned.

Unbeknownst to me, those early morning workouts before school and late night lifts after practice so many years ago… that is when my fitness journey began. That is when I fell in love with the process. That is when I created my own luck. That is when I wrote my own narrative.

Ever since then I have worked extremely hard in the gym, but is has never felt like work.

So now I ask you:

When will your story begin?

When will you create your own luck?

When will you fall in love… with the process?

As always,

Much love,

Cory