Train to be Awesome

Take the time to write yourself a “train to be awesome” list. This is something Jim Wendler has written about quite a bit. You don't have to post it, you don't even have to share it with anybody. But, while having it in your head is great, writing it down just does something to make it real. Says Wendler:

Write a Training Manifesto – I have a “Train to be Awesome” list that I refer to when I feel like I’m losing track of where I’m going/where I’ve been. Refer to this when you’re “lost.” Everyone needs to have their own Training Manifesto and it’s all based on what you need and want from training. You don’t have to share this with anyone – just hold yourself accountable.

Jim has his "train to be awesome" list, Jamie Lewis has his 10 Commandments of Chaos and Pain, Paul Carter has his Lifer Series, and I'm sure others have their own variations of it. It doesn't have to be long, and you can call it whatever you want, but having a sort of credo that you adhere to will be invaluable when it comes time to figuring out how you're going to train. Does it fall in line with your rules? If not, leave it out. These don’t have to be specifics (though they can be), just a list of principles you will adhere to. It also keeps you from getting sucked into gimmicks and quick fixes, and keeps you focused on what you truly should be: a long-term outcome.

I've started writing mine, but while I'm at it, I also plan to write a "live to be awesome" list as well. Again, it's all stuff I have in my head, and I tell myself all the time, but writing it down just changes things. If you need to, write it down in various places, so you're always confronted with it. As Jim said, it keeps us centered. When you're stumbling around, not sure what to do next, what choices to make, always refer to the list. If you're not holding yourself to the standard you think you should, regroup and start doing so. But if you don't have such a list, how do you know if you're getting off track? How do you know you are on the path to your goals? You don't. So make a plan, and most importantly, follow it.