Achieving Your Wildest Dreams: The Power of Obsession
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Understanding the Importance of Obsession
We all set ambitious goals for ourselves, whether they are short-term or long-term. These aspirations can often appear unattainable, even in our wildest imaginations. While we may dream about achieving them, many of us hesitate to take action due to past setbacks. The reality is that we often lack the necessary obsession to pursue these dreams.
Consider this insightful perspective from Conor McGregor, the UFC lightweight champion:
> "The thing about truth is, not a lot of people can handle it."
Reflect on a goal you once set but didn’t achieve. What held you back? Did you truly commit to the steps needed to attain it? Were you relentless in your pursuit, developing a solid plan and executing it diligently? It's a hard truth, but not everyone is equipped to handle that level of commitment.
Let me share my current obsession: My goal to gain 5kg of muscle within a month.
The Journey to Gain 5kg of Muscle
A while ago, I decided it was time to bulk up by 5kg. My motivations were personal, but that’s beside the point. Notice how specific I was—5kg, not just a vague "some weight." Initially, I aimed for 4.5kg, but I decided to push myself even further!
Being an ectomorph, gaining even a single kilogram in a month is a monumental task. To put it in perspective, this is as challenging for me as it is for a mesomorph to lose 5kg.
Planning My Approach
After eight hours of intensive research, I discovered I needed to consume at least 4,000 calories each day, ideally structured as 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% fat, with a target closer to 4,500 calories. All these calories had to come from high-quality food sources, complemented by strength training three times a week.
I meticulously planned every meal for the month. It might sound simple, but it was anything but! I scrutinized every detail, verifying the nutritional information for each ingredient. I needed to know the source of every calorie—yes, even including broccoli for its health benefits!
I designed a meal plan consisting of three main meals, two snacks, and two shakes, totaling 4,506 calories—an average of about 642.86 calories every two hours. My obsession with this goal pushed me to the point of committing to the same three meals every day for an entire month.
Execution: The Real Challenge
The execution phase was exceptionally grueling. The sheer volume of food made me feel nauseous. For my 56kg body, consuming this much was an overwhelming challenge. In theory, I required only 2,036 calories to maintain my weight—this was over double that!
The workouts were no easier. They were intensely demanding, and I struggled to complete even half of the routine. Simple tasks, like lifting a pen or climbing stairs, became painfully laborious. As the saying goes, "No pain, no gain."
Saying No: The Toughest Part
The most difficult aspect of this journey was learning to say "no" to things I would typically embrace. For instance, at a friend’s farewell party, I refrained from consuming anything except water. I maintained a strict no-alcohol policy for the month, as indulging would negate my health goals.
I also had to decline invitations to dinners where the food options wouldn’t align with my strict dietary needs. This meant disappointing friends and facing social pressure, yet I remained resolute.
Are You Ready for the Obsession?
Are you prepared to embrace the level of obsession required to achieve your most ambitious goals? Are you willing to meticulously focus on every detail of your objectives? Can you endure the physical and mental challenges that come with pushing your limits? Are you ready to let down those close to you for the sake of your aspirations?
You have the power to succeed!
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
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