Written by Dr. Reena Tenorio
The Secret to Success: THERE IS NO SECRET!!
First off, let me talk about the word “success.” To most people, this word is associated with money, fame, material items, high-ranking jobs, etc. To others, “success” may not be so lavish. Each of us has our own idea of being successful… and what it takes to get there. For me, success can be described by some words like: consistency, happiness, and stability. And I believe the key to being successful is simply: WORK.
Now, I am not implying that I am the type of “successful” that I described early in my post (rich, famous, etc.), but I have made positive changes in the direction of MY idea of success: dropping weight, increasing muscle, training sessions with no missed lifts, 6/6 in meets, acquiring employee benefits at my job.
I have found that any time I have made a positive change; whether it be in a physical way, in training/lifting or even in my career as a Physical Therapist, I have people approach me asking what I have done to get there, expecting some secret recipe. If only it were that easy.
Too often we seek this magic pill that does exist like a fast forward button to get us to the next step in our game, or expensive equipment to immediately improve our lifts. Training and working to be “successful” will not be easy. In fact, it’s going to be brutal: you body is going to hurt more often than not and you’re going to have to make sacrifices, but is all about how bad you want to reach YOUR success.
Here is something to consider: Don’t ask others HOW they got where they are. All successful athletes/professionals will say the same thing: they WORKED for it. Ask instead for advice to improve specific aspects of training or preparation.This, I feel, is something that should be emphasized, in fact. Rather than asking about what specific foods to eat, what supplements to take, which compressions speed up recovery, for hook-ups at a job… ask for drills to improve components of your sport, ask for advice for proper nutrient timing with diet and training, learn from mistakes and how to take criticism, ask for ways to analyze your own training, how to improve your resume and work experience, or even new treatment ideas.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no secret to success. Learn to love the grind, the inglorious labor, the sacrifice and you will reach your own “success.”
“Victory is the sum of suffering.” –Ben Abruzzo
Reena Tenorio, is a weightlifter/CrossFit athlete, and Physical Therapist based in Orange County, CA. Reena competed at the 2013 American Open in weightlifting, the 2012 and 2013 CrossFit Southeast Regionals (team). Reena’s diverse athletic history and background in physical therapy give her a unique perspective when examining training.
