You are not him. What does that statement mean to you? Does it mean that you're an imposter? Or does it denote the fact that you are attempting to act or look like someone that you are in no way, shape or form even close to resembling. Maybe it means you're not who you think you are. Here's the real answer.....all of the above are correct. This is not really a trick question, but more of an inside joke that I'm about to let you in on. My best friend says this to me as a reminder that I have a long way to go in my progression as an athlete. Strange cat, my best friend. Puts me down when I'm up (because it's funny and I deserve it)....picks me up when I'm down. Hopefully you have a friend or confidant that does this for you. For there is a clear benefit to be had here; it helps keep you even. It's important for our well being to establish some form of even. Sure, we all hit highs and lows. Within those highs and lows are thought patterns . Within that same fold of highs and lows exists the formation of habits. Also found here are preparation rituals that are critical to athletic mindset. All of these characteristics are a method whereby one manages, at a minimum, a level that falls near "even". When one experiences a drop below even the end result is, in most cases, dissatisfaction . When that same individual finds a way to rise above even, the end result is satisfaction, but only for a moment. The satisfaction of a PR or long term achievement can be put on a plaque and hung on your office wall, but it will never feel as good as the actual moment it was achieved. That said, even though rising above is positive, it remains a state of dissatisfaction because now there is a driving need to figure out how to get back there and experience that same emotion or euphoria again. Full circle, staying even with highs and lows mixed in ends up being a great thing. It is the very foundation that drives each of us to challenge ourselves daily thereby producing the"you against you" personal competition found within the athletic mind.
I recently spoke with an elite Olympic Weightlifter who said that the real success in weightlifting, and in any endeavor really, is finding a rhythm. What a great concept! Rhythm. The kid has a point. Think about it. When you are "in the groove" so to speak, that's a rhythm. When you have been recognized for your hard work and sacrifice, you most likely achieved that by establishing some method or routine that includes patterns that contributed to your success....this is rhythm.
So....If you are "not him", which really means acting like Donny Shankle or Rich Froning or Brooke Wells or Julie Foucher, then who are you? The answer is this; You are someone who thrives on being inspired by the best in the game, whatever that game may be. It's a good thing to watch how the best of the best operate. Just don't be clouded by the false need to be that individual. Be comfortable in the fact that you will always be in development, and that's a good thing. We all have talent and character and rhythm that makes us who we are. Therefore, BE YOU.....After all, you are you. You are unique in so many ways. Watch, read, listen.....steal with your eyes and ears. Get a rhythm....just like the Johnny Cash song says....but it's not advisable to be him....he was a womanizing drug abuser who is currently dead. I do love me some Johnny Cash music though.
As always, stay strong!
Peace - Johnny
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