6) Trial and Error

People are scared of the phrase “trial & error.” 

Here’s why – Trial means you don’t know the outcome. Error means that you could actually fail.

Many resort to overanalyzing and never committing to anything.

Trial & Error plays a large part with my process of creating workout programs. About 6-7 years ago, I bombed out of a powerlifting meet. I missed my three squat attempts, so I wasn’t able to continue on with the meet.

I came home, got on the computer, and typed “What happens if I squat every day?” That literally was the Google search, I swear. How could I push myself to be different?

I squatted every day for the next three years. I blew out my all-time numbers on Back Squat, Front Squat, and Deadlift. I beat them all. Hit 540 at 181, 550 at 198, 700 in a suit at 198 multiple times, etc. All of the numbers that I needed from an Elite Total standpoint.

Here’s the key. During the process, every single naysayer out there told me how it wasn’t going to work. Well guess what? It fucking worked. Not only did it work, I did it my way.

If something doesn’t work, don’t sit there and dwell on what didn’t work. You must have a short-term memory. Focus on what did work. What did work separated me and propelled me to a whole new level.

Perfection almost never happens. That being said, if you never try, you never get a chance to see what the outcome can be. Push yourself to do something different. Don’t hold on too hard if it doesn’t work. Think about what’s next if it doesn’t work. Keep a short-term memory.