I always thought, if I got shot down, made fun of whilst working to build up my physique, it would most likely be from people who don't know me. Acquaintances, people you weren't on that good terms with or strangers - those were the people whom I thought would be the ones to put me down, to laugh at my "obsession".
The "obsession" of spending those hours, days, months and years at the gym, the cardio and especially the diet that I try hard to stick to.
But it struck me so hard the first time it happened, despite all the motivational quotes and videos I've watched - telling me to show the people who put you down how all your hard work isn't an obsession but a dedication and to use it as a motivation for yourself - the words that came out of their mouth still hurt.
I guess the worst part is that they are people whom you called friends, relatives or loved ones, people whom you trust that they got your back. It's like if the people whom you trust say such things about you, what more the people who don't know you that well, what worse things will they be saying about you.
For the rest of that day I was pretty moody but then I thought about it and those motivational posts I've seen and read came to me and I understood what it really meant.
People are going to put you down, be it out of jealousy or spite or just for "fun", only you can take those words and turn it as a source of motivation and encouragement or even strength. It just means that you have got to work harder and smarter. At the end of the day, it's you who reap the benefits of your hard work, it is you who will be accountable for your actions, no one else. Sure there might be spill over effects - your efforts and success motivating others or just creating more jealousy - but the only one to truly enjoy the fruits of labor is YOU!
Personally, I did take it negatively at that instance but then I turned it around and those words helped me break through my 6 month long plateau, where I just couldn't gain any progress in terms of my physique. In just 1 month, I saw myself making progress again and instilled in me a new found passion/motivation for what I'm working towards.
I would like to dedicate this post to all of you out there who are working hard for that dream and goal in your life, be it in fitness, career or your studies, whatever it is you are striving for... don't give up when others put you down, mock you or try to crush your hopes. Keep up the effort and in due time you will enjoy the results of your dedication.
p.s I'm not mad or angry at those who tries to put me down or make fun of me. I just wish that they'll understand what it is like to actually have a goal in life, something you're dedicated and passionate about. After all they are my friends and people I care about, so I definitely will not put down people I call my friends and loved ones. If not why call them friend?
The video can get quite crude and vulgar but I enjoy watching their videos because they are brutally honest with their advice, the Hodge Twins have been very helpful in guiding and motivating me in my workouts. I hope they can help you as much as they have helped me.
Till the next post!
