Putting in the REPS …

When I was in high school, I started to work out in the gym quite a bit. At first, it was because of my involvement in sports. I continued my gym regiment well into my college years.

I remember justifying my obsession with going to the gym with statements to others like, “I’m doing it for health reasons” or “I’m doing it to feel good” or “my body craves this weight training and exercise.” But if I’m totally honest, it was for other reasons… check that, just one reason… girls!

Yeah, I was interested in being noticed and possibly being pursued by the girls I had my eye on. When I was finally able to convince the one girl that I was most interested in to go out with me, who later became my wife, I was especially motivated to continue working out.

What I didn’t expect is that she would want to go to the gym with me. At first, it seemed like a good idea, something that would build up our budding relationship. But after a while, my workouts suffered because she wanted to change my workout routine and she was also very playful in the gym. If I can continue to be honest, she was rather distracting, if you know what I mean .

When I first started working out, I was very small and skinny and lacked confidence. The gym that my best friend chose for us to become members of had a reputation of producing big results and big muscles and HUGE people! I remember entering the gym that first day and thinking I had just walked into a Mr. America competition. These dudes were massive and these women were equally impressive with their muscular physiques.

The particular gym selection turned out to be a very positive thing for my friend and me. What we discovered is that the people who worked out in this gym were not only serious about their workouts and their bodies but were also very kind. Not one time did I feel judged because I could not lift a tremendous amount of weight or keep up with any of them. In fact, they were very helpful and encouraging.

Ohh, they were tough on me, but in a very positive way. They taught me the proper way to lift weights and were very motivating while helping me progress. I learned a lot from them. I learned how to lift weights, the importance of consistency, the importance of diet and the importance of repetitions (Reps). Needless to say, it was a very positive experience during those gym years.

After I graduated from college, I got a job, got married and we started having kids. I found that I had very little time for the gym and I am sad to say I stopped going. When I was consistently going to the gym I was happy to know that I was in great shape. When I stopped going to the gym, I was still in shape only it developed into a different shape … the shape of ROUND – HAHAHA! 😊!

As I look back almost 33 years later and with the desire to get back in proper shape, I am digging into those memories, searching for what can get me to where I need and want to be. As before, it continues to be attitude, consistency, and reps that will help me become successful in my health goals. My priorities now have changed. I am no longer interested in getting the girl as I already got her. Now I am interested in my overall health as I move into my grandparent years and I want to be around for a long time to watch my grandkids grow and thrive!

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

Earlier this week I was on a call with my mentor, Dean Holland, and he was describing one of the aspects of successful people was their ability to get their Reps in in order to get better at any given task.

His thought process was that if you practice, remain consistent, persistent and diligent you can get better at just about anything you try. He was very encouraging as he explained his journey from the start, when he had very little knowledge and success, to where he is now because of his Reps… which he explained as putting in the work!

This really resonated with me.  I remembered my workout days and about how putting in the reps at the gym helped me, a little skinny guy, grow into a strong and healthy individual because of my efforts.

I believe every word he said. If I practice the skills that I learn to grow my business and I do the things that are uncomfortable, and I work at those skills regularly, I can only get better and I will succeed.

My problem, like many others, is that I want it all now. Just like I wanted that toned and muscular body all those years ago, I want my business to be highly successful and profitable now. But deep down I know that if I do the work, it will happen and I will be very fulfilled when I see the fruits of all my labor.

Here is a simple acronym about how putting in the reps will help me (and you) succeed.

R.E.P.S.

• Resilience – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties. In business, setbacks and failures are inevitable, but resilience allows you to learn from them, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward with renewed determination.
• Effort – Consistent action and hard work are essential for success. Even when progress seems slow or obstacles arise, maintaining a strong work ethic and pushing through challenges will set you apart from those who quit too soon.
• Patience – Achieving success doesn’t happen overnight. Growth, recognition, and results take time. Staying patient helps you remain focused on long-term goals without getting discouraged by short-term struggles.
• Strategy – Success isn’t just about working hard, it’s about working smart. Continuously analyze your methods, adapt to changes, and refine your approach to ensure you’re moving efficiently toward your goals.

By consistently putting in the REPS, I will build the mindset and habits necessary to thrive in business, even in the face of adversity and challenges (perceived or real). I have no doubt that I will succeed if I do what is essential even though it’s a lot of work.

Now, off to research a gym memberships, or at least exercise equipment, so that I can focus on my health.  And, this time, I will be happy to work out with my pretty wife!

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pelé

 “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” – Vince Lombardi

 And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

Why don’t skeletons lift weights? Because they don’t have the guts for it!

Why did the gym close down? Because it just didn’t work out!

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more.  And please continue following my blog.  My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.