Since June I have been dieting and training for a physique show. If you’re not sure what that is, check out this site.

Rob Polenik, owner of Brutal Iron Gym has been my trainer and mentor during this process.

This has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it is yielding some of the most profound results. My body is changing, but so is my mind. To date I have lost 26 pounds and have gained incredible insight into the power of a goal and the vigorous discipline necessary to achieve great goals.

A few thoughts about this process…

• Not everyone will understand or appreciate the process of getting to your goal. As I lose weight people have wondered if I’m sick and even tried to tempt me to “ease up” on my diet. The answer is always, “No.”
• An accountability partner is unbelievably helpful! My bride, Sherri, has been amazing throughout this process! My diet requires a lot of attention and she has helped me profoundly by grilling lots of meat, encouraging me when I wanted ice cream instead of broccoli, and helping me get creative with Mrs. Dash spices!
• Saying no gets easier, but not always. “No” has become a regular part of my conversation, especially when it comes to food. It’s gotten much easier, but there are still days and moments when I want to scream “YES” and dive face first into a pool of ice cream sandwiches! It’s the thought of standing on stage on October 20th (aka the goal) that keeps me going!

Last Sunday I wrote in my journal:

How bad do you want it? Am I willing to lose sleep, friends, comfort for it? Am I willing to work harder than anyone else? Am I willing to stay when others leave? Run when others walk? Work while others play?

I am.

So  there it is… a personal peek into the journey and development of mind and body on the way to a goal.

How about you? How has having a goal shaped you?