Trust the Process

Trust the Process
Written by: Coach Shark

Excuses are like assholes. We all have them and they all stink.

When did we become a society of excuse makers? Our grandparents would have had a shit-hemorrhage if they heard some of the ridiculousness I hear from some people on a daily basis. And the worst part is, not that we are making the excuses, but rather that we actually believe them. I hear it everyday – “I’m following the diet, but I’m not making any progress.” “I only drink on the weekends.” “This programming doesn’t work for me.” “I’m insulin resistant.” Blah blah blah. I know these excuses, because I’ve used these excuses. Yeah, you read that correctly. I was that guy at one point in my life. Sure, I was nipping at the heels of a 600lb back squat and front squatting over 500lb, but I was incredibly unhealthy. Weighing in around 290lbs, I was the poster child for prediabetes. My resting heart rate was close to triple digits and my blood pressure was through the damn roof, and all I really wanted was to be lean.

But I was lying to myself. I was my own worst enemy.

I was one of those arrogant assholes that believed I was different, that the rules of thermodynamics didn’t apply to me. “It’s not that I’m gaining weight because my calories-in are greater than my calories-out, it’s that I don’t process carbohydrates very well.” Excuse me, but horse shit. Does this sound like you? If it does, stop what you’re doing and smack yourself in the head. YOU ARE LYING TO YOURSELF.

You can attribute similar excuses to the athletes that believe that they aren’t making any progress because of the “programming”, or the “coach”, or the “gym environment”, etc… Who exactly are you trying to fool? Yes, your coach may be an asshole, he might think he hung the moon, but chances are he’s actually looking out for you. So let’s look at the facts – you’re in the gym, you’re putting in work, and yet you’re not making any progress. Well, sorry to tell ya, but it’s probably because of what’s going on outside the gym rather than inside that’s hindering your success.

You think you need two-a-days? Nope. You think you need to squat 4 days a week? Nope. You think this Russian program is better than that German program and Misfit vs Outlaw vs Invictus yadda yadda yadda. You probably need to have fewer bourbons, fewer late night trips to T-Bell, a few more hours of sleep, or just take better care of yourself in general.

Love yourself. Stop lying to yourself. Stop placing blame on others. Trust the process. Do what needs to be done.