Few comments make my blood boil more than when someone tells me:
You must have great genetics.
As if my accomplishments are merely the result of a lottery-winning DNA!
Discipline, hard work, clarity of purpose, consistency – these things certainly wouldn’t have anything to do with it.
Well, I’ve got news for you. Here are 10 things that your genetics won’t do for you…
- Genetics won’t get you up at 5 in the morning to do your training.
- Genetics won’t plan your meals, do your grocery shopping, or cook for you.
- Genetics won’t help you say no to the chocolate cake during the holidays, or the birthdays, or the company parties, or the…
- Genetics won’t help you quit smoking, alcohol, sugar, or other addictive behavior.
- Genetics won’t help you set specific, measurable goals and pursue them passionately under a deadline.
- Genetics won’t get you out for a run or a hike or a bike ride when it’s pouring rain outside.
- Genetics won’t help you push through discomfort to score just one more rep than you thought you could.
- Genetics won’t drive you to the gym when you’re exhausted after work or get you into your home gym after the kids are finally asleep.
- Genetics definitely won’t help you when your heart is pounding, you’re huffing and puffing, barely standing, and still have to keep going – with good technique.
- Genetics won’t help you do it all again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.
Genetics are like excuses. Everybody’s got them, but some people don’t let that stop them from pursuing success anyways. So, don’t be weak. Choose strength. You are strong. Listen to what I’m saying. YOU are strong. So, be strong.
“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” – From the poem “Invictus” by William Henry
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.jpg "John Sifferman")
CST Coach, CST-KS
Health-First Fitness Coach
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Great stuff John!
Genetics will never replace hard work and a great plan executed with determination!
Kyle Battis
You might as well have read my mind, John. When I get the “great genes” line from people I always want to show them a picture of my obese parents, obese grandparents, obese brother. I’ve worked damn hard and have been fully committed to my healthy lifestyle for years, that’s why my body looks and performs the way it does. It’s insulting when people imply that it’s somehow just a genetic gift I was given.
Ultimately, what they’re doing is disrespecting my experience as a way of validating their own – ie: If I had your genes I’d have a six pack too.
Exactly – pulling the genetics card is really just another excuse to rely on to justify their own lifestyle decisions.
AMEN!
There’s nothing worse than hearing people complain about the fact that they are never going to be fit because their parents and grand parents are overweight. It’s just the lamest excuse…
Agree with Stev here. One excuse after another is what I’ve been doing since the holiday was over.. :(
Agree. Since choosing the right parents is hard to do everyone should try to maximize their own potential with the genetic tools theory were given.
Well said.
I don’t agree. Look at children. People are just born with different bodies. Yes, you can make some changes with diet and exercise, but if you put 10 people on the same diet and same exercise program they won’t have the same results. I do agree that you shouldn’t use genetics as an excuse to be lazy.