I’d finished my coaching, teaching and my own personal training for the week and was having a post workout recovery massage by one of the worlds best massage therapists and something I’d never seen before caught my eye….
It was a simple little print out of the following poem…
The Man In The Glass!
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And think you’re a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
He’s the fellow to please-never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
It was a few years ago now…But I remember Western Bulldogs Champion Footballer Scott West recounting the same poem as a metaphor for how he approached the game his life and training.
I think it’s a fantastic read for athletes in general.
Part of what I do in THE PIT Gymnasium and at Strongman during our training sessions is instill the values confidence and honesty in our athletes.
That is why they are not only tremendous athletes, but also great role models that set the bar high for future generations of young athletes!
All the best for the Week,
Joey Hayes
