Real Deal

To me there is no greater compliment than to say someone is the Real Deal.ANd it doesnt have to be in the realm of athletics or training. If someone is totally committed to their activity, no matter what it is, they are the Real Deal.

It's easy to find Real Deal people everywhere. They are the ones that are accomplishing their goals; or at the very least, putting it all out their in the hopes of accomplishing their stated goal(s).These people are not following trends and fads, they are following their hearts and their passions, regardless of whether it is currently popular, trendy or the latest thing.

They can put their egos aside and ride the waves of gains and losses with equal dispassion knowing that regardless of what the score card says today, tomorrow is another training day, another step on their journey to whatever their goal is.And that when the goal is achieved another will take its place as the reality to the Real Deal guy is that their is no finish line. They are the consumate student, always looking for another piece of the puzzle, working their craft, perfecting their art, disciplining their mind and body to be ready to jump to the next level when it presents itself.

Some call this Old School and I am totally fine with that as well. You see these guys( and women) at Masters powerlifting, weightliftng, track and field, swim meets and any other discipline that takes a lifetime to truly master.ANd lets not forget Martial Arts,which probably invented this. They know, and teach, that Mastery of the Art is a lifetime pursuit and one which gives up its secrets grudgingly, if at all, and only after testing your character and heart to the max.

The Real Deal guy is interested in the depth of something, not just the shiny surface. When one considers ones heroes and role models it is usually there you find the Real Deal. Someone is so committed to what they want to have, what and who they choose to be that there is no room for feal of failure. Because their really is no failure if one has their heart in the right place. Their is only the lesson that not achieving what you set out to do that day will teach you.

ANd most of the best lessons I have had have always come from my losses , not my wins. I feel badly for those who are afraid to really want something badly enough to fully committ and play it as it lays. They might be talented and achieve good things but will never know the best of themselves if they are too afraid of seeing the worst.Of really caring and wanting to achieve and coming up short. Many hold back so they can say"if I REALLY wanted it I could do it". Proof is in the pudding.

It's hard to fully committ, fully care and still come up short. ANd then pick yourself back up, re analyze and plan and start over.Again. And again. And again. For as long as it takes. Thats the Real Deal.