I’m not usually much for sayings. Like, I’m rarely moved by those inspirational posters of eagles or oceans or Ghandi or Einstein, you know, those ones that convey wisdom about persistence or success or attitude or whatever.
Ongoing exposure to the trite sound bites and maudlin catch phrases of our time has desensitized me to almost all sayings, but I recently encountered one that penetrated the crusty coating that I've developed: “If you want to run fast, you’ve got to run fast.”
While this simple saying is geared toward sprint training, I view it as relating to any situation in life, in a figurative way, which is why I find it powerful.
After letting this saying simmer for a few weeks, my mind has repurposed it to fit my situation as a dude trying to train his way to improved hockey performance.
Here’s my personalized version: “If you want to be a monster on the ice, you’ve got to be a monster in the gym.”
Maybe it’s a bit corny, a bit too dripping in machismo, but it’s stuck with me for a few weeks and I still like it – a good sign.
Also, I find it popping into my head during my workouts and I’m often able to push myself just a little bit harder than I otherwise would – another good sign.
I’m at the point where I’m thinking about making a poster. When that happens, you know a saying has taken hold and is doing its job.
