Chapter 1: The Reality of Medium

Many popular articles on Medium tend to promote the idea that achieving greatness is simply a matter of following a specific formula. The unfortunate reality is that not everyone possesses the necessary talent, connections, motivation, or resources to become a so-called "rock star." While this may sound disheartening, there is a glimmer of hope: you can begin your journey from your current point in life and progress from there.

Wisdom from Weightlifting

You might be curious why I am sharing this potentially underwhelming message. The truth is, I value honesty in my writing on Medium. Recently, I celebrated my 41st birthday and took a hard look at my health, realizing that I am significantly overweight and need to make substantial changes to ensure I’ll be there for my young child's future milestones. This led me to adopt the Starting Strength program for my fitness routine. The details behind this decision are beyond the scope of this piece; however, I found it essential to increase my muscle mass through weightlifting, and this program seemed ideal for my current life stage.

As part of my preparation, I read "The Barbell Prescription," a guide tailored for weightlifters over the age of 40. This insightful book explores the changes our bodies undergo as we age and emphasizes the importance of lifting heavy weights to combat the effects of aging.

What resonated with me most was the recurring message about starting from where you are. Here’s a notable excerpt:

"Each individual has aged on an individual timeline. Life has taken more of a toll on some than others, and these things matter. For the Masters Athlete in particular, there is little to be gained by comparing one's own progress to that of others, other than to see what might be possible or detrimental. Train yourself to be the best you can be, beginning from your own unique starting line and progressing on your own unique journey."

Although this advice comes from a weightlifting context, it applies universally to various aspects of life.

Personal History Matters

Our individual histories shape who we are, and it’s crucial to acknowledge this influence. None of us share identical experiences, and we all carry personal struggles. Whether it's growing up in poverty, encountering toxic relationships, or battling unhealthy habits, these factors inevitably shape our decisions.

For instance, if you come from a family that has always struggled financially, understanding the concept of compound interest may be a challenge. Similarly, emotional abuse can severely impact self-esteem, leading to missed opportunities in personal and professional realms.

In my case, I often seek validation and can sabotage my own goals if I perceive that pursuing them may upset others. This tendency hampers my commitment to a healthy lifestyle, causing me to make excuses that undermine months of hard work.

Compare and Despair

The phrase "compare and despair" rings true; constantly measuring yourself against others only leads to disappointment. We all have unique strengths and weaknesses, and it is vital to focus on personal growth rather than comparison. The only benchmark that truly matters is your own progress—are you improving compared to yesterday, last week, or last month? Celebrate those victories and strive for further improvement.

When observing others, view their experiences as opportunities for learning rather than a basis for comparison.

Your Path is Your Own

It’s essential to recognize that our goals are personal. Whether you seek wealth, health, recognition, or family, your journey will be distinct.

Do you aspire to be a billionaire, or would you prefer the peace of mind that comes with covering your bills effortlessly? Do you aim to break records in weightlifting, or is your goal simply to keep up with your children during family outings?

Even if our objectives align, the routes we take to achieve them will differ, shaped by our unique circumstances.

Don't Fall for the Hype

Many writers suggest that anyone can become affluent, fit, and charismatic with minimal effort. However, the truth is that most of us will face obstacles in reaching even one of these aspirations, and that is if we even desire them.

Our life experiences vary greatly, leading to diverse paths and outcomes. The advice from Medium experts often comes in the form of bullet points and checklists that may provide some guidance but do not offer solutions. It’s crucial to discover what truly works for you, rather than adhering to someone else's prescribed method.