Wednesday 9th of March, 2011

In this age of political correctness, where people's weaknesses are stroked and pandered to, where your emotions are fragile and you need a cuddle every time something doesn't go your way. I'm here to tell you, it's your fault!

If you are weak, it's your fault
If you are slow, it's your fault
If you are too fat, it's your fault
If you are too skinny, it's your fault
If you keep missing goals, it's your fault
If you run out of gas in the second half or later rounds, it's your fault
If you stop reading now and have a pity party, it's your fault

Now this may not be always technically true (i.e. injuries, sickness), but if you don't take responsibility for your life and your own actions no one else is going to fix things for you. Have you ever noticed that? Over fifteen years ago I had a dream to have my own gym. Nobody came and knocked on my door and said, “Hey John I'm going to set you up in your own gym. You don't have to do anything, just show up. I'll handle all the rest.”

I had to get off my arse and make it happen. I had to go and get educated (official and unofficial). Then after working in some commercial gyms and realising they don't give a crap about their customers, I had to find an alternative that worked. I had to find the money to travel to America to spend time with my now mentor Zach Even-Esh, so I could open my own Underground Strength Gym.

Even though we've been up and running now for over a year, there is still a stack of stuff I need to do. I still haven't received that knock on the door from some benevolent stranger. So if I want to succeed I must push forward and make it happen. Nobody cares more about your success than you do (unless of course they are betting money on you). So it's got to be you that puts in the required effort.

The awesome thing is, just as you have been the driving force behind your current situation. You can also be the driving force of your success. I want to encourage you, regardless of where you are currently at or how many times you feel that you have failed. You can make it happen! You may need some help and guidance, but you can do it.

If you have already taken responsibility for your own actions and are moving forward towards your goals, you have my respect. Take heart in the tough times and keep pushing. If not, then now is the time to start!

Just like I had to make it happen, so do you. You need to get on the court and practice your skills more. You need to get out to the field and execute drills. You need to run that extra kilometer, especially when you feel like you can't. You need to stop shoveling that crap into your mouth. You need to take the action(s) that will move you closer towards your goal(s). Otherwise, guess what, nothing is going to change!

You need to find yourself a quality Strength and Conditioning Coach (article on this coming soon), who will give you a blueprint to follow. Who will guide you and help you on your quest. They won't do the work for you, but a good coach is the second part of the equation. I can't tell you how much Zach has helped me in making Melbourne's Underground possible. He's given me a clear plan to follow and encouragement, but I've still had to make it happen. Passion without knowledge may create a loud noise, but it won't necessarily get you anywhere.

If you already have a coach, but not getting any closer to your goals, yes you guessed it, “It's your fault.” Find one that will actually benefit you, rather than just take money out of your bank account.

Take responsibility now and make it happen!

Always moving forward,

John

P.S. If you live here in Melbourne, get your butt into Melbourne Underground Strength Gym. I guarantee you, you will reach your goals. As long as you are willing to put in the work. If you live too far away to come and train with us here, check out Zach Even Esh's Underground Strength Coach site. It's pretty bloody awesome!