Embrace Incremental Change for a Stronger Life
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Chapter 1: The Military Mindset
One of the most valuable lessons I gained from my military experience is the importance of pushing myself to excel in tasks I’d rather avoid. The military excels at teaching this principle. Imagine it’s a frigid -25°F in Alaska on a Monday morning, and you’re nestled in a cozy bed. When your alarm blares, you know that you must abandon comfort and face the biting cold while someone else dictates your activities for the day. The only requirement is to persevere and keep pace with others. Everyone should encounter this kind of challenge, as it is genuinely transformative.
Discipline is essential, and genuine physical fitness cannot exist without it.
Section 1.1: The Connection Between Fitness and Quality of Life
Physical fitness is intricately linked to one’s quality of life. Having experienced both being overweight and fit, I can assert unequivocally that being fit is vastly superior. I have little patience for the "body positivity" movements that suggest it’s acceptable to remain morbidly obese due to a lack of understanding or effort regarding health and nutrition. Such attitudes are unacceptable.
This is not to imply that everyone must aspire to have a six-pack or bulging muscles; not everyone is designed for that, nor does everyone desire it. What matters is maximizing our potential with the resources we possess.
Subsection 1.1.1: Lessons Learned Through Fitness
Engaging in fitness teaches invaluable life lessons. You come to realize that nothing worthwhile comes without commitment, sacrifice, and sometimes discomfort. It becomes clear that success requires a plan; you cannot simply "wing it" and expect results. Fitness is one of the few endeavors where authenticity is paramount.
In a world full of illusions, digital enhancements, and misleading claims, a fit individual exemplifies hard work and dedication. Should every man engage in regular exercise and strength training? Absolutely.
Chapter 2: The Strength to Overcome
The Iron has proven to be the best remedy for depression I have encountered. There is no better way to combat weakness than by cultivating strength. Once both the mind and body recognize their true capabilities, there’s no going back. In today’s society, where issues such as depression, low testosterone, and a pervasive sense of purposelessness are rampant, what better solution exists than to develop physical strength?
Section 2.1: The Power of Incremental Improvements
Achieving strength and fitness is a gradual process. It unfolds slowly, demanding patience and persistence. Incremental improvements are rational, achievable, and often frustrating.
As Socrates wisely stated, "No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training." It is regrettable for a man to age without discovering the beauty and strength his body can achieve.
When embarking on the fitness journey, managing expectations is crucial. Results take time, and progress often feels incremental. This quest for gradual improvements serves as a reliable method to maintain motivation when results seem elusive.
Section 2.2: The Importance of Accountability
Consistency and discipline are vital, which is where many of us, myself included, tend to struggle. Having a workout partner is invaluable. A reliable gym buddy can provide the necessary motivation and accountability.
During my time in Afghanistan, my workout partner was brutally effective. A former Ranger and personal trainer, he was one of the most impressively fit individuals I’ve ever met. His approach was straightforward: he’d look at the weight I was about to lift and insist, “No… you’re going heavier.” This was significant because he disregarded the doubts I had about my own limits, and he was correct each time. Thanks to him, I successfully lifted 300 pounds for the first time, and it eventually became routine.
Competence is crucial; seek out individuals who will enhance your growth through their influence.
Chapter 3: The Journey of Self-Improvement
After moving to Bulgaria, I initially lacked a gym companion. However, I managed to persuade my best Bulgarian friend to join me at the gym. Six months later, he can accurately describe the improvements he’s made in various strength areas. His meticulousness contrasts with my more spontaneous approach, resulting in mutual growth.
As the saying goes, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Section 3.1: The Role of Strong Leadership
We also see a decline in strength among those in leadership positions. How many robust, fit politicians can you name? Politicians often come across as untrustworthy, which isn’t surprising. What about influential figures? How many genuinely strong clergy members do you know? It’s hard to take someone seriously as a moral guide when they exhibit physical weakness.
A man cannot claim moral strength if he inhabits a weak body. I firmly believe that the decline in church attendance among men is due to a lack of teachings on strength—whether physical, mental, or spiritual.
Section 3.2: Building Mental Toughness
Beyond the practical and aesthetic advantages, physical strength cultivates mental resilience. Repetition and gradual progression train your body and mind to transcend discomfort, allowing you to push past the doubts that arise. Each time you strive for just one more repetition, you inch closer to your goals. With persistent effort, genuine change is achievable. The iron, as Henry Rollins remarked, never lies; it fosters an honest relationship.
In conclusion, strive to improve every day, or choose to weaken. The decision is yours.