No shortcuts.

As much of a cliche as it may sound, it appears that a sub-section of todays society chases materialistic goals. This is through no fault of their own, they’re bombarded with messages throughout the day about how to make more money (if you can’t, then how to get more loans), so you can buy MORE shit. And there is always a shortcut. And sometimes, those shortcuts work.

But I prefer the goals where there are no shortcuts, where the hard work put in is directly proportional to the (earned) output. Where cheating to get ahead is only cheating yourself out of hard-earned kudos. Typically, these goals are to be found in exercise, in aiming for a higher level of fitness. In the simplicity of gym-work, there are few ways of cheating (half-reps – forbidden, poor technique – cursed) and these are easily spotted. In any case, your total focus, your concentrated mind would not even begin to contemplate such absurdities. Devoting your entire self to just one task, and doing it to the best of your ability is the true pleasure, and for some, the goal in itself.

I was being either for brute strength or intimidation, most guys were pretty much intimidated, they lost the fight before they ever got hit. Most guys. I knew the art of skulduggery, beat these guys psychologically before I ever got in the ring with them. – Mike Tyson