In running through my emails I recently came across one with a question that struck me. It was such a simple, yet very important question. I thought about it instantly, and then for the rest of the day and started articulating not just an answer, but a list of answers.
"Hello Travis, I love your new Diet & Workout Templates, I currently just finished the Busy Professional one and wanted to thank you for making these. They are well put together and easy to follow. Thank-you for sharing your solutions and experience with. I know you are busy but I've been conflicted recently and wanted to get your feedback... I'm an in-shape 39 year old father working 50 hours a week. I'm no athlete and I'm not very competitive I guess you could say. So what is my motivation for working out? I struggle with that. I don't have a goal or date, a 5k or anything like that and I'm ok with that. But why am I doing all this? Why do you train?"
"Why do you Train?"
ANSWER
- For physical and mental health.
- For self-improvement. To better yourself. You alone. Better than the day before.
- To challenge yourself physically, mentally, even spiritually.
- Doing something so simple, yet very hard has immense psychological benefits.
- To develop will and resiliency that serves you in the toughest of times. I talk a lot about our "Willpower Muscle".
- To some this may be extreme, or a stretch, but how about honoring all soldiers who have fought and died in wars before you, or the victims who didn't have a choice or chance; it is part of our DNA to fight and protect ourselves. I think about soldiers and my friends in the armed forces when I am in rough weight cut or training program, or before a match...puts things into perspective and a smile on my face.
- To prove to yourself that you can change through sheer will.
- In a world of "easy", it's hard. Sharpen your axe.
- Because we don't live in the 1800's anymore and it's a lot harder to die from measles or a fever these days, respect that fact and choose "hard"
- So you can take care of others, especially loved ones
- Being stronger is always better than being weak.
- To understand that there is cause and effect to action; and inaction.
- Removal of dependence. Shows personal responsibility. You are in control of you, yourself, and your body. No one else, not chance or bad luck, etc.
- To be a great example to others, to your children; fat, weak, ignorant and entitled are not quality role model traits to exude.
- To exhaust your body and mind so as to put up with the tests, the weak fools and ignorant beggars who want what you have earned.
- A stronger body equals a stronger mind.
- To learn self-reliance.
- To be a leader (in your house, relationship, work, group of friends, etc.)
- To understand that compassion and empathy is noble but not given lightly.
- When we get much older we will wish we could do just one more push-up, one more squat, one more run or even one more flight of stairs. Don't take it for granted.
- Because you either step up, or step down.
- Because you don't ever want to stop. Don't give up on yourself. Certain things in life you'll need to stop or step away from and it will be a hard choice, but don't ever give up on yourself. Keep going.
- Because a mentally and physically strong person will always be needed in this world.
For starters, that's a few reasons why. Hope this helps! Thank you for your thought provoking question and for your continued support!
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