Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. -Proverbs 13:11
It is commonplace for men to look for a shortcut, or a “hack”, to shorten their time required to achieve a goal. This is certainly true in regard to forging physical qualities. We want imposing strength, commanding physiques, and praiseworthy athleticism. Now. Unfortunately, that is not the nature of these qualities. They take time, and consistent effort to develop. Time that is counted in years and decades, not weeks and months.
This is good news for those who are willing to play the long game. For, just like monetary wealth, strength built incrementally over a decade will not diminish quickly. With a solid base built (no hard rule here but generally about the 10 consistent years mark), a season of injury, illness, or time away from consistent training can be overcome without near as much loss in physical capability.
On the other hand, early in the process, it can seem as if any small deviation from the program will set you back weeks or months. This can be wildly frustrating, to be sure. Keep going regardless. In time, you’ll be able to reap the rewards.
Just as you wouldn’t expect to grow an investment portfolio to bless your generations in a week, you can’t build lasting and durable strength in a few training cycles (or really even a few short years). It takes a long term commitment over the course of a lifetime. The best time to start is as early as possible. The next best time to start is right now. Do not despair if you think that you should have started earlier. Roll up your sleeves and get to work where you’re at. Commit yourself to the long haul. You will be here (Lord willing) in 10 years. Will you then be the man that you now admire? Or will you be an older version of the same man you are now.
