USAWA Nationals: Let’s Celebrate!
by Thom Van Vleck
Some of the 2011 USAWA lifters with family and friends at the Banquet following the meet celebrating a great day!
The recent USAWA meet really got me to thinking. We all work really hard to train, prepare, and then travel to a meet. Often at great expense. I have been doing that for over 30 years now. When I was younger, I would often go to the meet and head right out after collecting my trophy (if I got one!) and my drive home was filled with obsessive thoughts on how I was going to get better. I have always been really hard on myself and as a result, I can honestly say I’ve never felt like I deserved to celebrate after a meet. Even though I’ve had meets where I did quite well!
We need to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Even when we don’t live up to expectations, we need to unwind a little and enjoy the moment. That’s exactly how I felt at the USAWA Nationals Awards Banquet afterwards. I enjoyed the moment (plus a great meal, some caked, and a scotch!). I’ve missed to many of these in the past. I have been a Counselor for 20 some years, but I”m often my toughest patient because my reflection won’t call me out when I need it. Results come from getting your body to do things it does not want to do. Rewarding yourself is an important part of training, it makes it worthwhile.
Now, I know that some folks have other obligations, such as work the next day, or small kids, or a long drive home, but give yourself a break. Enjoy the moment. Take a breath……then get back after it!