Taking Control of Your Physical Health The 4 "D"s of Success "Dedication"

The commitment and resilient perseverance of someone who simply will not quit; someone who cannot identify with those who do quit, and someone who will never lower his own standards to learn why they do.

Our last discussion was about discipline. In that discussion, we identified each of the four individual elements of its definition. We then applied each element to a specific task involved in achieving the overall goal of taking control of your physical health.

It is important to recognize that the application of any “concept” to a task in your life, particularly one that involves your health, requires both a thorough understanding of the concept, and a sincere personal commitment to properly apply the concept. With this in mind, we can examine “Dedication.”

My definition of dedication is, “Commitment achieved through resilient perseverance.” In this definition, “commitment,” is a promise to complete the journey to a goal. “Resilience,” is overcoming, rather than surrendering to any adverse events encountered on that journey. “Perseverance,” is never quitting, digging in harder, and continuing the journey after overcoming each adverse event. Dedication is born the minute someone makes the decision to complete the journey to achieve a specific goal.

Dedicated individuals on this journey, will forge ahead despite the obstacles and adversities that will inevitably develop along the way. They will acknowledge them, but not accept them as permanent roadblocks. Rather, they will embrace them as respites, with each providing a unique opportunity to create another way to successfully continue their journey.

These individuals make a total commitment to do everything possible to achieve their goal. They prioritize those aspects of their lives that are critical to the progression of their journey and minimize those that might become distractions. They attack the task of achieving their goal with a resilient perseverance that does not wane.

I once saw a large banner hung on the back wall of a baseball training facility. The words, “Champions are made when no one is looking,” were boldly inscribed on that banner. That simple but powerful message clearly conveyed the facility’s philosophy, that dedication is the cornerstone of success, and the most successful athletes are those who continue to train long after everyone else has left.

It is only after the pretenders, those who merely go through the motions of training, have left the building, that the serious training begins. The training of an athlete on a clearly defined journey; an athlete supremely challenging himself by pushing through the boring, monotonous repetition of the solitary hard work necessary to successfully complete that journey. It is the lonely journey of a champion.

This then, is dedication. The commitment and resilient perseverance of someone who simply will not quit; someone who cannot identify with those who do quit, and someone who will never lower his own standards to learn why they do!

If you are committed to reaching the goal of taking control of your physical health, Shelter fitness is ready to take that journey with you! We know what it takes to become the best you can be and are here to help! We can provide premium quality strength and resistance equipment, as well as workout plans, videos, and many of the accessories you may need along the way. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. We will do our very best to assist you.