The more I train the more I am convinced that may lifters struggle with progress because of a propensity to over complicate things. This partially stems from our inherent impatience for progress, even more so in a generation that is predicated on instant gratification.
I often quote Wendler ' There are no 8 week plans, rather yearlong goals and decade long plans'. For me that is the perfect mindset for programming lifting. If this premise holds true then you just need to knuckle down and bang out the reps year in and year out. There is no magic formula, pill or approach just some common sense.
Unfortunately many lifters, particularly those in their twenties change their routines, approach, diet etc more often than their underwear, never sticking with an approach long enough to derive the benefits. The problem is the aforementioned expectation of progress. Often the routine they are on will deliver growth, size and strength but likely in the medium to long term. However these guys want the PB or the 10kg of mass in the first 8 weeks and when it doesn't materialise off they go again on a new routine coupled most likely with the next latest and greatest supplement!
I think having the balls (sorry ladies) to hunker down and focus on long term gains is the old school way. Knowing that you have to lift over years is quite empowering and puts into context all of the short term 'noise' that distracts others from making progress.
Interestingly having a longer term view makes dealing with injury somewhat easier. So often lifters start climbing the walls when they can't train or even though they screwed their back in training they just have to try and pull a max deadlift 1 week later?! By realising that lifting is a lifetime endeavour then a month out for surgery or active rest is nothing if it means you can keep doing this for decades after.
Just remember..stop fucking around with your program. Stick to something simple, train, eat rest and REPEAT!
Stay Strong
Thomo
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