Wanna Lift Big Weight? Then Fill Your Heart With Hate!

It seems like I have been telling my kid this so much lately. That's right, I'm going for the father of the year award. I know, that sounds like a seriously negative attitude, but this mantra has served me well for years. When I was a kid I remember playing a game with a guy that I absolutely detested and I smoked him; up and down and sideways. I probably shouldn't have won, but the hate that I had made me focus and really knuckle down because, “I would not let this guy beat me, no matter what”. It really works...that kind of focus can make you almost unstoppable.

This mindset is similar to what you've probably read in books about successful people. They take criticism and negativity and use it it fuel their success. So my advice to my son is, not to get upset and retaliate when people screw with you. Just use that negativity to fuel your accomplishments, because your success is the best retaliation.

Pricks at school? Screw them! Knuckle down and ace every test (feel free to rub it in).
Jerks at work? Screw them! Knuckle down and be the top salesman (or whatever you do).
Ass holes at the gym? Screw them! Knuckle down and put up a stupid big squat.

 "Because sometimes a big lift really means FU"