It's funny as a powerlifter I find some of my best motivation comes from weightlifters. Since watching Cal Strength and MDUSA I have been a fan of Donny Shankle. Every so often he produces a piece, a nugget of wisdom that stays with me a long time.
Below is one such article, enjoy!
Pitbulls and Men
By Donny Shankle
Uncle always had the best analogies. I too have always enjoyed using analogies when teaching. I think it is the mark of a master to simplify concepts so all students can learn. Uncle had so many analogies for his “players” to learn how to become champions. One in particular was what I have now dubbed “Pitbulls and Men”. In order to get into the “zone” and lift heavy ass weights, you need to let go of everything else on your mind and attack. Along with strict and patient training, this is how marvelous performances are attained. It is the weightlifter’s mind which will either set him back or push him forward.
Today I want to share a perfect example.....
“Uncle, why am I afraid to go under the bar sometimes?”
“Donny, let’s say you have a one hundred pound pit bull and a two hundred pound man. If they both get into a fight who do you think will win?”
“I assume the pit bull will.”
“Yes. It is because men understand the concept of fear. The beast does not. Men take into consideration they may get hurt. The beast does not. The beast only knows attack what is in front of him and does not stop until it stops moving. He only knows that distinctive law of the jungle: eat or be eaten.”
“I understand”
“If you lift like the beast and think of nothing else but attacking what is in front of you, then you will crush whatever weight is before you. You will begin to see no limits in your potential.”
At the center of all the attributes, blocks, and factors required to win and become a champion is your mind. The beast wins in the fight because all it knows is bite. Bite and do not let go. Bite until it stops moving. The man will of course fight back but he will think of pain. He will think of death. He will think. This may of course spur him on to fight back but he is already at an immediate disadvantage. Within the split second he thinks of fighting back, the beast may have already done enough damage. Within the split second you think the weight you are lifting is heavy, you have lost the decisiveness possessed by champions.
Not all men succumb to the beast. I think this is something uncle knew. It is something he wanted to see in his “players”. I think this is what he was trying to get across in his analogy. Some weightlifters get mentally crushed by the weight in front of them so much that they don’t even stand a chance from the get go. Other weightlifters have the ability to change into a stronger beast and attack with confidence whatever is on the bar. Which type of lifter are you?
Check out the link below to read more of Donny's musings:
http://donnyshankle.blogspot.com.au/search?updated-max=2014-05-15T12:31:00-04:00
Stay Strong
Thomo
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