Dedication: the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose.
Motivation: the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
We hear/see these words used so often. How many Instagram or Facebook post have you seen using one or both of these words? And I think we understand what their meaning is, but to actually put their meaning in motion and give these words life is a totally different concept.
I am currently struggling with that idea today.
I am getting ready for 2 contest both in May. I have dedicated myself mentally for the past couple months that I am doing this and I am committed on being in the best shape I have every been. My motivation is defined by how much I enjoy preparing and oddly, my age. The preparation is the best part for me. I like the disciplined routine that is necessary and seeing the changes in my body from week to week is really amazing. To know that I can control how I am looking is, for lack of a better term, cool. The age part is simple; I'm getting older. I don't know how long I will be to train like this. Body parts are hurting for no apparent reason. I want to do this while I can and be competitive. And by competitive I mean have a legit chance to win.
But the dedication and motivation is tested nearly everyday. I would be lying if I said I never thought about just going to Burger King, getting a couple whoppers and saying screw it. I have asked myself why am I doing this a couple times. The reason I ask myself this question is always the same. I love food. Most people do. I have a particular affinity for cake and donuts. But I always think to myself, this is only a short moment in your life. I can do this. I have to do this because I told MYSELF I would. Sad as it is, it is easy to fool other people, even people you love. But when it comes down to it, you can not fool yourself.
I love this quote which I will paraphrase. I'm not sure who said it but I think it is awesome. "Pain is temporary. It may last for a minute or an hour, or a day or even a year. But eventually it will subside and something else will take it's place. If I quit however, it will last forever."
Forever is a long time.
Maybe fear plays a role in dedication and motivation. Hmmm...
Peace & Love
The Beast Life