You’ll often hear me say “All great achievement starts first with the strength of will.” So let me quantify that statement.

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you were simply able to will it to happen?

Maybe it seemed impossible on the surface but somehow, through sheer grit, determination and will power you were able to overcome all the obstacles and resistance to get what you wanted or achieve something extraordinary?

Of course you have.

On the other hand there was likely a time (or two) when you set a goal for yourself and somewhere along the way you either lost interest or… it became too challenging or difficult to achieve and so you just – gave up, quit or forgot about it.

Perhaps your WILL to WIN or succeed proved, at that moment, to be a no match for the opposition or resistance you encountered.

Your will, your power, your strength

Since Strength of Will seems to be of such massive importance to our ability to succeed I believe it’s worth a little exploration.
I’ve said this countless times and I’ll say it again because it warrants repeated repeating.“You can’t get what you want if you don’t know what you want.”

The what is the target, the goal, the desired outcome. And indeed identifying your “WHAT” is absolutely critical to your success. The mistake, however, many ‘would be champions‘ make is thinking that the what is also the motivation.

But here is the thing.

Your “WHAT” is not your FUEL. It’s the “objective” not the juice that will push, pull or drag you kicking and screaming if necessary over, under, around or through all the obstacles that stand between it and you.

Let your WILL be fueled by your WHY

The real juice, the FUEL, the catalyst for achieving your objective is the same thing that also feeds the muscle of your WILL. It’s The WHY. It’s the reason you want what you want in the first place!

You want a great physique… terrific – WHY
You want a championship title… fantastic – WHY
You want to be rich, healthy, happy… great – why, why, why?

It’s been said and it’s also been my experience that “if the WHY is great enough – the how no longer matters”

With a great enough WHY… your determination and strength of WILL will simply not allow you to fail… period!

If your WHY however is superficial, inconsequential or lacks real substance than your WILL and ability to achieve what you want will also be week and superficial.

Imagine yourself at the tail end of a long and intense leg workout when you are trying to muscle your way through a grueling final set of squats with zero fuel (I said 0 fuel) left in your body, for example. Can it be done physically? NO!… Well maybe!

With enough leverage in the form of an empowering and motivating WHY, however, you’ll find the strength deep down inside to WILL your way through it.

Let’s face it… creating an outstanding, sexy, championship physique much less getting and staying rich, healthy and happy is going to require some serious will power, passion and determination.
That kind of determination and strength of will doesn’t come from wanting to go head to head in abs showdown with “The Situation,” just looking good on the beach, or taking home a big piece of hardware at some contest. If that’s what you’re counting on I can all but guarantee you won’t make it past the first sign of real resistance.

You must get clear on your compelling WHY.

Not the superficial surface WHY – but rather the deep down in your core driving force WHY. That’s the WHY that will spawn the strength of WILL to WIN.

Tom

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

When you train your whole life to become the best at a particular sport, you are bound to run into opposition.

That opposition can take many forms. It can show up as an ill timed injury, bad coaching, a losing strategy, or even some of your own limiting beliefs. But many times that opposition has a name and a face. It’s that one athlete or group of players standing on the other side of the field planning to run your ass over and keep you from your objective.

How would you define that opponent for you?

Click the Video link below

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote –“Know thy self, know thy enemy.”

If you think like a warrior, which we all imagine ourselves being when it comes to pushing the steel and ignoring the pain… your opponent would indeed be the enemy. He’s the thing that stands between you and everything you want – between you and success.

In large part, he’s what feeds the passion you bring to your workouts… what drives your anger and pushes you to do what you do? He’s that face changing thing that you must destroy at all costs?

Yet – it’s also been written that – “your primary objective is to strengthen yourself, not to destroy your opponent.” Why do we feel it necessary to destroy or completely obliterate the opposition?

Think about it!

Our goal as athletes is to get bigger, faster, and stronger – in essence all our efforts are geared towards growth, refinement and mastery. And yet we want only to breakdown, destroy or – eliminate our most worthy advisories.

“I must break you”~ Ivan Drago

We show then little respect, treat them with disdain and contempt and belittle them behind their back.
And we grossly underestimate them on the field of battle – which a sure fire strategy for defeat.

Grow – destroy,
Black – white,
Love – hate.

These opposing forces cannot occupy the same space at the same time… one will always cancel out the other. Darkness cannot exist where there is light – but the opposite is also true.
In the world of athletics the opposition will always be there, it’s the nature of sport.

There’s one other given. The greater the opposition – the more immovable the object standing between us and victory the greater our own efforts must be if we are going to be victorious.
In essence the better they are the better we must become.

That opposition doesn’t have be to the enemy however.

Our own growth and ability to excel does not depend on their destruction. In fact we benefit more from their survival. When we have the courage to show our competition the respect they deserve we can turn them into our greatest ally.

When acknowledged for their own greatness and respected for their achievements our opponents can unwittingly provide us the motivation to push harder, go beyond our own self imposed limits and rise above what we thought we could ever be.

Case in point:

Without Apollo Creed would there have been a Rocky,
Without Larry Bird would Magic Johnson have been as great?
Would Hulk Hogan have been elevated to super star status without the legendary André the Giant standing in his way?
What about, Mohammad Ali and Joe Frazier
Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz
Without Tyson would Holyfield have two full ears today… maybe that’s not such a good example

What about the current Mr. Olympia Phil Heath? Would he be all he is today had it not been for his desire to be the best even in the face of the immovable force that is Jay Cutler and the respect and admiration he has for that opposition?

Maybe? But from my experience, it’s unlikely!

The reward for our efforts shouldn’t be some plastic trophy, a fleeting title or the annihilation of someone else’s magnificence – but rather the manifestation of our own magnificence.

So the next time you think about or look your opponent in the eyes… instead of underestimating or belittling them– elevate them, respect them, recognize them… even encourage them.

The better they become the better you will become… if you have the courage to go blow for blow until the best opponent is left standing.

For More Mind Set Resources and Success Strategies go to TomTerwilliger.com

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

Here’s a question for you,

What do you believe is the number one most important component in the entire fitness puzzle?

Here are your choices:
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Mindset

I once surveyed a group of 500 fitness enthusiasts who had illustrated their commitment to improving their health, stamina and over all physical appearance – that very question.
Almost unanimously they agreed that MINDSET was far and away the most important factor in fitness success.

And yet… admittedly only 12% of the group was actively investing any real time, energy and resources towards improvement in that area.

We’ve all seen super star athletes crumble under the pleasure or literally talk themselves out of victory when it was already in the palm of their hand.

Why?

When it comes to taking a great physique in the gym and making it shine on stage as a winner… confidence and how you handle stress will always be mitigating factors. Meaning… those things can either help you rise above the competition or f__k you up bad.

The truth is the only thing holding you back from being champion on stage… Read more

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

What’s your biggest challenge, obstacle, or frustration? In other words Let me know what you would like me to talk about in future Max Mind Set episodes.

T

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

Do You Have a Loser Attitude?

Bad attitudes come in all shapes and sizes but there are two types that are the most pervasive and infectious – and neither one is exclusive to NJ.

The first is always complaining about how crappy life is and that they can never catch a break or the reason they’re not where they want to be yet is because the universe is conspiring against them at every turn.

They’re always down and they love to drag everyone else down with them.  These are the “Victims”

And then there the “victimizers” – nothing is ever good enough for these guys and it’s always some other poor idiots fault and never theirs that they’re not where they want to be in life. 

They’re entitled to special treatment and are constantly bragging about how cool, smart, sexy or accomplished they are… but make no bones about putting everyone else down especially those who are more accomplished than they are.

And as much as you and I, with no discernibly bad attitude – either can’t tolerate, loath, feel sorry for or outright despise the victims and the victimizers – there’s a very good chance we ourselves display some or all of those attitude characteristics.  That’s right… even you mister perfect.

Check out the video

Here’s my 5 point attitude check list.  Answer yes to anyone of these 5 and my friend – you have a bad attitude and need to make an adjustment… like right now.

1.    You use the words “I” in every sentence

2.    You think you’re entitled to special treatment from everybody

3.    You get freaking pissed off if  a waiter brings you a cob salad instead of your Caesar

4.    You think yours truly (me)  is an asshole and all this “mind set” stuff is a crock a shit

5.    You just can’t win – no matter what.

“It’s not your aptitude but your attitude that determines your altitude” ~ Zig Zigler

Adjusting your weights, routines and nutrition all you want it will only get you so far. If you want to rise to the top adjust your freaking attitude.

Your thoughts….?

For more inspiration, motivation and resources go to Tom Terwilliger.com

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

If you have ever wondered WHY no matter how hard you struggle, sacrifice, or work you always seem to wind up in the same place or worse… the answer may lie in the programming of your internal success thermostat.

The dietetic community frequently uses the analogy of the “Metabolic Thermostat” when referring to an individual’s fixed or given metabolic setting.  It’s the genetic or conditioned programming that automatically adjusts its self to keep us at a given weight unless radically altered by external forces.

You also have an internal “Success Thermostat” that has been unconsciously programmed and set by you for a specific level.  And it maintains that level much in the same way the Metabolic Thermostat will automatically adjust to maintain that pre-programmed level no matter how hard we work to change it.

If your Success Thermostat is set for mediocrity or even failure... as soon as you start making a little too much progress the thermostat kicks on and readjusts the temperature right back to the old “comfort zone” by throwing self imposed obstacles on your path.

Like the “metabolic thermostat” of a morbidly obese individual who’s metabolism can be “re-programmed” through adjustments in diet and exercise your personal “Success Thermostat” can also be “reset” for a much greater level of achievement then you ever believed possible.

Learn the exact process with my FREE 30 minute audio training at  http://tinyurl.com/SetPointChange

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

Join me (Tom Terwilliger) and my co-host Jim (Worlds Toughest Cop) Sayih this Sat morning Feb 4  for the “911 Fitness” Webinar series as we hold this months IM Cover Man and Bodybuilding Legend Lee Labrada over the coals and sweat him for every bit of fitness and Bodybuilding information we can get.

Lee a bodybuilding legend, awesome human being, and extraordinary successful business man and is as knowledgeable in the area of fitness as anyone on the planet.  And former Miami police Lt, Jim Sayih knows how to extract information from anyone… this should be one of the most interesting and informative interviews we’ve ever done… don’t miss it.

Make sure you register for the even by clicking the link below.

I want to Listen

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

There’s a of talk today about “transparency” and being authenticity who you are. But how much should you reveal about yourself to the world. Do we share with the public, our friends, the media the real reason we started lifting, the deep core truth about our desire… need to be better then what a fast food meal plan and 14 hours of boob tube would a week might otherwise produce?

In John Rowley’s inaugural BlogTalk radio show last week John asked me about my biker background, and the truth about winning the Mr. America… did I reveal too much?

Give a listen and share your thought… I certainly did.

I would appreciate your feedback.

Tom

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.

All right this is freaking cool… well for me anyway – so I thought I would share it.  2011 was an interesting sort of up and down year of a lot of people… myself included. But one thing for sure over the past 12 months is that I have been introduced to, worked and collaborated with and even got to know a lot of very cool, interesting and successful people in the fitness community.  Largely in part do to the fact that I finally got out from behind my desk and out of the freaking gym.

One of the cool people I met is a young fitness entrepreneur named Erik Rokeach who has devoted the past year to conducting interviews with some of the fitness business communities leading experts.  Erik’s story in it’s self is a one of courage and inspiration – but that’s not what he wants to be about. He is committed to helping other fitness professionals find and use success strategies to build their business and have the ability to reach and serve more people.  Well I happen to have been one of one the people he interviewed along the way.

Erik just released his top 5 Fitness Business Interviews for 2011 and here is where it get’s cool… Read more

Known as “The Achievement Mentor,” Tom Terwilliger is a leading authority on the science of achievement, international speaker and empowerment trainer and the author of the acclaimed #1 bestseller, 7 Rules of Achievement. Tom’s inspiring story of pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw biker to IFBB Pro and high achiever has inspired countless others to reach for their own limitless potential.