Today I was reminded of something that helped me win the CrossFit Games back in 2008:
Pick up the bar.
That year, the final workout was set up in a really unique way. Your start time for the last event was based on your accumulated time from the previous events, so whoever finished the workout first won the Games.
The event was 30 clean and jerks at 155 pounds, and I remember standing there watching competitor after competitor start ahead of me. I think I started in 12th place, about a minute and a half behind the leader. Chris Spealler was already well into his reps. Josh Everett was moving fast.
From where I stood, it looked like the gap was just getting bigger and bigger before I even got a chance to touch the bar.
Then it was my turn.
As the workout went on, I slowly started making up ground. Rep by rep, I could feel myself getting closer to the leaders. At some point, with around five reps left, I realized I was within striking distance to actually win the CrossFit Games.
But I also remember how easy it would’ve been in that moment to hesitate. To stand over the bar too long. To let the pressure and exhaustion sink in.
So instead of thinking about winning, all I told myself was: just pick up the bar.
Because I knew if I picked it up, I’d get the rep. I didn’t need to overcomplicate it. I just needed to keep moving and not allow myself to get comfortable.
Three reps left, pick up the bar.
Two reps left, pick up the bar.
One rep left, pick up the bar.
And before I knew it, I had won the CrossFit Games.
I was talking about this idea today with Nick Koumalatsos because I think it applies to a lot more than fitness.
Most of us already know the things we need to do. The conversation we’ve been avoiding. The workout we keep putting off. The business idea. The commitment. The first step back into momentum.
But the longer we stare at it, the heavier it feels.
A lot of times, the answer isn’t more thinking. It’s just getting back on the bar.
Take the next rep. Start moving again. Build momentum from there.
And if you need a place to start, don’t focus on being perfect. Don’t focus on getting way ahead. Just focus on picking up the bar again tomorrow.
Keep training hard,
Jason
