Mahler's Monday Morning Motivator # 54

[Mahler]

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 54

Good Morning, Guys,
A little over a year ago, I made the commitment to contribute something to various forums on a weekly basis. That was the birth of Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator. Well now I find myself a year older and every bit committed to continue with the project. I wanted it to be something a little more personal, so, today I am going to be a little self-serving and recap some things I have written over the years. Some were responses to posts, some advice, some answers to questions and some just a man’s musing about the world around him.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
We are all works in progress and will continue to be.
When we reach a goal, we set a new one. Reaching the top of the mountain is exhilarating but it is the climb that we relish and soon look for another mountain.
And should we reach the pinnacle, grasp the brass ring, our new goal is to hang on tight and not lose what we have fought so hard to gain.
Unless you live it, you cannot understand it. And for those who live it, there is no explaining to those who cannot understand.
Some, even though they do not understand, will admire our achievement and their words will give us affirmation. Others of those who do not understand will see only vanity, self interest & obsession. Their words will give to them the affirmation that they so desperately need in justifying never having tried.
Trust that you know what you are about, and pursue it wholeheartedly and without regret.
– 5/03
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Those who give up before they even try, call the success of others "good luck."
Those who try everything before they give up, call the failure of others "good lessons."
– 01/06/04
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Men with purpose, follow the rules. Men with passion write the rules that others will follow.
– 01/13/04
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Fitness is a blessing we bestow upon ourselves.
- Jan. 7, 2004
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Advice to the young
Listen to those older than you for they have experience.
Listen to those younger than you for they have enthusiasm.
Then take all that you have heard and think for yourself.
- April 7, 2004
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
To men who lift, a weight is very demanding for an inanimate object.
It sits there and demands to be lifted.
And once lifted, it demands to be put down.
And once put down, it demands that you repeat the process as many times as possible.
- April 21, 2004
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
What others think of you is very important, that is, when those doing the thinking have opinions you respect.
- August 9, 2004
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
On teaching - - -
Democracy, while a good and noble concept, is not a concept to be universally applied. In the classroom, a good teacher should be somewhat of a dictator. We have surrendered ourselves to mediocrity by laying our laurels at the altars of freedom of expression, image of self, and student rights. Teachers have been denuded of the ability to discipline just to be able to teach those willing to learn, not to mention the ability to demand anything of substance from those they are entrusted to teach. In the process, many of our teachers have been worn down and they too have surrendered the bright shining sword of enlightenment to the gods of mediocrity.
- October 2003
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Lifting is the poetry of the body singing the song of itself.
– 10/26/04
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
It always amuses me when men feel that anything remotely related to poetry, literature, art, serious music and the like are unmanly or effeminate. We are so fortunate that the many men who provided the majority of our Western culture did not feel that way. I lower my standards for no one, least of all the hollow achievement of being thought of as "one of the guys."
– 10/26/04
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rude people deserve rude lessons. They rely on the manners of others to continue their manipulation of the world, which they think revolves around them.
- 12/11/2004
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Conventional wisdom fails with unconventional men.
– 01/09/05
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Most true heroes walk though life unnoticed and touch our lives as with the fingers of an unseen breeze that brushes by and refreshes our spirit.
– 01/24/05
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Strive to be dedicated, not medicated.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
There is no light at the end of the tunnel.
You carry the light with you.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
And finally, this occurred to me about dealing with numbers.

There is nothing so significant in a number, be it a weight, an amount or a goal, that is as important as improving upon it.

Thanks for reading and for the many words of encouragement.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

[rem1956]

As usual, Mahler....I'm inspired!

[Chris Correia]

Very nice recap, John. You've made it very easy for me this week with motivating my students (and myself!)

(Hey, didn't I read some of those in a book somewhere? [img]smile.gif[/img] )

[Bo]

Excellent quotes!

[Mahler]

Mid-week bump. Not that anyone seems to care. LOL

Mahler

[Kaiser]

We do. We just haven't replied. [img]smile.gif[/img] Sage words of wisdom, proving you aren't wasting getting up in years.

[Jimbo]

Thanks Mahler. I had to copy and paste some of those..

[Feelgreat]

John,
As always, truely inspirational. I have been behind the scenes here and at Men's Health, but am truely awed by your mentality.

Thanks for providing great words of wisdom in each and every post.

Feelgreat

[gregl515]

Thanks. I look forward to reading this every week. I just don't always respond.

[Rev]

What others think of you is very important, that is, when those doing the thinking have opinions you respect.
- August 9, 2004

That is my favorite one. And yes, I read these lol.

[duff beer]

As well, I always read these but rarely respond...and that's because you've already made the point and there's nothing to add.

Keep 'em coming.

[Mahler]

Thanks, guys. You have restored my faith in the forum. I need a little reality check every once in a while. When there is no counter showing how many views a post gets, it's hard to know if anyone is out there reading or if I am just pissing in the wind. Well, my pant leg is not yellow, yet. Come to think of it, if it was yellow, not only would I be pissing in the wind, I would not be drinking enough water.

Mahler

[FishrCutB8]

I can't get enough of that Wonderful Duff....nor of that even more impressive Mahler.

[K-Court]

John, I know it mustn't be easy to consistently come up with a "motivator" week in and week out. I'm really impressed you've kept this up for a whole year. Thanks for your continued efforts to motivate us to be better than we are. It's appreciated.

[MacSob]

Mahler,

I don't post a lot, but I want you to know that I have read every single "Monday Morning Motivator" and will continue to do so as long as you post them. I have gained a lot of insight and inspiration from you and from all of your posts.

Keep them coming!

Mac

[md11hydmec]

John, I don't think you have to worry about people not reading them. I look forward to them every week. Just sometimes there is nothing more to say, just reflection on what was posted. I think thats what we do, just reflect on how we can incorporate this into our lives. Thanks for the time and motivation......MD

[bushDocda]

Good looking out on the bump, i missed it till today.

Thanks for some seriously good stuff.

I have a file I keep of quotes and such and a lot of your input has found its way there.

Scott