Deflecting stress in life

Lifting 5 days a week, and eating on a regular schedule (making sure to keep up on my macros), can be stressful on the human body. That stress, along with adaptation, is what the lifter wants. It is controlled stress though. The stress from family life and unplanned situations are not always controllable-- but our reactions are.

We should not let stress hinder our performance. We should not let negative influences bring us down. A positive body needs a positive mind. I know that stress affects my digestion, and least of all, it kills my appetite. That is horrible for gains. It also can hurt my performance-- I can't be "all in" with my lifts. When you have months of training under your belt, it takes longer to work up to the heavy lift sets, and that process can determine if progress can be made. I like to feel strong and on task-- I lose that when other factors come into play.

Example: Have you seen those individuals at the gym who are slaves to their phone, texting after every weak set, an wasting their time and others on prime machine real estate? They cannot focus, and as a result, they lack muscle and an attention span of any note. Could it be relationship issues? Trust issues? I am sure they are not selling stocks or running a lucrative 24/7 business. They need to cut out the world when focusing on their exercise.

Honestly, I wish I didn't have a cell phone. I don't mind answering inquiries for gigs and other jobs, but when I am on task, I want everything else to shut off and stay away.

 This is not being selfish-- this is being focused!

We need to get that understood. I play music and must rehearse that music prior to performances-- it is a necessity to play it properly! Can I talk with others while doing this? Should I let the problems of others get in my business? No! I have a job to do. I also like being busy so, I have no life outside of working-- get used to it! I work at a school, I teach dance, I teach music, I volunteer, I play various gigs, and I take my lifting seriously-- I have no time for anything. I can apologize or I can keep moving and making money. Guess what I choose?

Stress will find you though. People will create stressful situations for you. You need to roll with the punches. Find a way to exterminate those situations. No one can stop a moving train quickly. Be the moving train that no one can stop. You can look back after your accomplishments. You can even give a few a ride. Just don't let them near the brakes.

Highlander was once MeatTrain online.

Expanded Roles

Gains continue to take place at the Y. I eat, I lift more, I push the pain barrier, and I see results when I walk by a mirror. I have no need to gloat since I am chasing powerlifting numbers for the most part, but it is nice that I am seeing results-- others are noticing as well. I seem to have an expanded family at the Y, and everyone likes having my advice and positive reinforcement. I have befriended some of the largest lifters, and those that are new look to me as a mentor. I have to keep going as my leadership is growing. My master plan will take effect as a servant-leader that will someday be in charge of it all.

I should know leadership, I have a master's degree in it! I work from the bottom-up, although I make friends with those at every level. I gather support, and make others feel better about themselves and their goals. I want everyone in the Y to lift better-- we have a common goal to get stronger and look better. This takes a long time to accomplish, so everyone needs to know that they have support in their dedication. The sacrifices made are worthwhile. Validating someone's goals feels good for them and for you. I have always crossed boundaries and genres to connect people and have them understand that what they are doing is important.

Here is the reveal for those that do not read my other blogs.

I am a professional musician. I play an average of 6 musicals each year, and at least that many gigs in a professional wedding band. I do twice as many benefit volunteer gigs for organizations each year as well. I have taught private music lessons for over 12 years, and have taught groups for half that time. I teach ballroom dance classes and private lessons-- I am in my 7th year of doing this. I have degrees in theatre, music and leadership. I have a deep science background. I have been a jack-of-all-trades for years with carpentry, painting, cleaning, and teaching. Oh yeah, I also lift like an animal, and have been bodybuilding on and off for over 16 years. 

In other words, I have been there and done that. I know people-- I know how to handle different personalities and walks of life. I am a chameleon that can fit into any situation. My goal is to help people, and I hope to convey that however I can. This is leadership. 

So my goal for my leadership at the Y is to know and support everyone as I continue to make gains. My body will represent applied knowledge, and if that brings people in, my intellect will then keep them. I am here to connect others...and lift. 

We all have goals.

To the Highlands!