I have a lot of controversial beliefs and one is that the great people in our society carry those around them mentally, emotionally and sometimes financially. It is not that the normal world is particularly weak, or that those who are great live to ensure the existence of others, it is simply that great people generate positive behaviors in all. Many people I’ve met in my life, especially before I became a personal trainer have told me that my daily actions and personality simply inspired them to be more fit. As someone who loves fitness deeply and wants to share it with all, there is no greater compliment.
Only, my behavior doesn’t inspire all, and when you’re faced with the notion that a co-worker, family member, friend or even spouse doesn’t share your vision and drive on a subject so dear to you, not being intrusive is a difficult task. My goals of being an elite athlete, the world’s greatest personal trainer, and the world’s most prominent fitness writer come with the same price as other “ultimate” goals: Loneliness. My greatest fitness struggles don’t come from repetitions and sets, because when things get started, as we all know, they don’t take long to finish. My real issue is at times being voiceless on an issue others pay me to speak on.
Ideally, I’d like my quests to mean so much that I do not consider others and their negative emotions toward the ways I live life, still appreciating those who do gain inspiration from what I do. Recently, I saw an interview where legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson said that the word inspire literally means “to give breath” which is why he instructed his players to take one breath in times of crisis. When I see those my environment resist activity, good health and personal vigor, I’m saddened and I want to “give breath” to a vitality in others that only I have. Even now, I’m writing this therapeutically, hoping that it helps me to go about my quests understanding that I should set out to change myself so much that it changes the world, and that if I really set out to change the world hoping it will change me, I may be left with an empty feeling.
