Success

Just like you probably don't know what you're expecting to find here, I didn't know what I was going to put here. Initially I had my own success story below, which is mostly about the success I've had with this page.

Now I will also include some quick tips to achieving success that you can apply to bodybuilding, or any other aspect of your life. Most of these tips are common sense, but they may be things we have forgotten, or just ignore in the face of dispair.

So without further ado, here are a handful of steps to success...

STEPS TO SUCCESS
1
 Determine what you want to change. 		Since you're reading this hear web page, I'm guessing you already took this important step. Success requires focus, and so I would encourage you to focus your goals, make a list of specific changes that you want to strive for, so that you can develop an effective action plan towards that goal. Just saying 'I want to go the gym more often', or 'I want to get into shape' is vague, and allows a lot of room for failure. List what % of body fat you want to strive for, or how much you want to improve your strength in a specific lift, or how many pounds of muscle you want to gain.
2
Decide that you will change it, and commit to it. Don't just take an inteterst in it. 		Success requires commitment. Approaching any task with 'interest' is not nearly as effective as approaching it with commitment. Don't think 'I'll try and lose 10 pounds', but rather, 'I will lose 10 pounds of fat in two months, and I'll do whatever it takes, cause it's gonna be worth it, I'm gonna feel better, look better, be happier, and know I've succeeded, not failed like the other 95% of people who do!'
3
Educated yourself on what you need to do to facilitate that change. 		Even the most commited and dedicated individual will have a hard time achieving success if they take a completely wrong approach. That's where this web page, books, and magazines come in handy. Be aware that everyone is different, and there are no absolutes when it comes to building a better body. No one program or one diet that guarantees success. i.e. to lose weight eat more calories than you burn. So will drinking 1000 calories of fat in the morning be conducive to fat loss? Learn as much as you can, and always remain open to new ideas!!
4
Find a mentor, someone who has achieved what you want, and learn from them. 		I've always found the easiest way to learn something is to find someone who can teach and explain to you one on one. It always helps to find someone who already succeeded at what you are trying to accomplish, and apply their methods to your own situation, making modifications and improvements when necessary. Why go through the process of trial and error when someone else already has?
5
Use all this knowledge to devise a plan. 		Sit down and right down all the things you will need to do and sacrafice to achieve your goals. this means cutting out certain foods, going to the gym X number of times for weight training and/or cardio, ensuring each meal contains ample protein, etc. Maybe go so far as to plan out several different meals, or even prepare meals ahead of time so that you don't get stuck with nothing to eat, so you end up munching on something bad.
6
Recognize a lack of progress and adjust your plan accordingly. 		Follow your program for a week or two, and if you see absolutely no progress, don't think it'll start working all of a sudden. It won't work, and you'll just be wasting your time by continuing it. Try to identify potential problems, and make modifications until you do notice progress. Keeping a log of diet and training will greatly aid in identifying problems!
7
 Revise your goals and plan periodically as they may change, but never backtrack or give up. 		Your goals will most likely change over time, so don't get stuck in a mind set. Don't get lazy and and think 'Oh, this plan works great so I'll just stick with it for a couple of months.' Change is essential to success in building a better body, and it staves off boredom. It only takes 15-30 minutes to sit down and draw out a plan for another week or two, so do it!


If you have a success story you'd like me to post here, email it to me at klaus.rubba@muscle101.com and I'll be happy to do so!! Don't be shy, just think of the thousands of peoples lives you might be touching with you inspirational story!

As for my success story, in the last year I've been able to add about 50 pounds to my max bench press, around 80 pounds to my squat and ~10 pounds of muscle. I work full time, maintain this web page, took a night class, and nurture a wonderful relationship.

Well, it's been a few months since I revamped my web page, and the response has been tremendous! Here are some of my favorite guestbook entries:

Probably the best comprehensive bodyduilding site loaded with enough tips and scientific facts to prove your views. Keep the page updated! - Alex Sandico
Yours is the first site that was worthy (and very much so) of being added to my bookmarks regarding body building. Major kudos! and thanks for putting up such a fantastic amount of informaion. - Time Heuser
Just fantastic Klaus! You know this information is so much common sense really. But the majority of people will still go to Jenny Craig and all those other (make me lighter by emptying my wallet please) scams, which just don't work. I've been working out for 5 years and wish I had the knowledge you have. But now I do and will visit your site regularly. Thanks! - Troy
This is one hell of a site. Excellent!!! - Gerald Tan


It's all worth it! Here's some of the feedback I got for my old web page:
Hey Klaus! Page looks great and the tons of information is extremely helpfull, one of the best pages I've visited! - Nick
I am a self employed personal trainer just starting out and I found your infromation very helpful. Keep up the good work!! - Denise O'Donnell
Superb! I printed the whole of it! - Lazar Ianakiev
Hey Klaus. I have to say that this is a marvelous page! You have so much information posted. I know how much time it takes to keep up a page and see that you have invested a great deal of yours with this page. Keep up the good work and don't forget to spend some time in the gym!! - Shane Smith
All I have to say is Wow! You have truly dedicated yourself to putting out quality information. I cannot tell you how nice it is to see that someone knows what the hell they're talking about. - Kent
Awsome page one (if not the) of the best pages I have come across - Adam Ghent