I'd Rather Be John Meadows Than Phil Heath

   The drive to win. A desire to succeed. The discipline to compete. These are skills and attributes that champions have. I've always admired these skills.  These are the things that make champions. Phil Heath proves that year after year as his hand is raised for another victory. And now those skills have put him on the brink of making history! He is an amazing and unique athlete.
   A drive to touch lives. A desire to give back. The discipline of hard work. These are the skills that make the others worthwhile. Why do we train? To enhance our trophy cabinet? Perhaps some do, but the truly successful people know that success comes when you give back. Sharing your success, helping others succeed, and affecting others in positive ways are the dividends of success. Sure, trophies can be reaffirming and tangible evidence of your hard work, but the intangibles are so much more impactful. At the end of your life, will you cherish your trophies or your family, your friends, and the contentment of knowing you touched lives in a positive way?
   John Meadows has never won the Olympia, but has managed to impact his sport in a way few, if any, Mr. Olympia's have.Through his seminars, Mountain Dog Diet website, training programs and videos, and supplement company, he has touched innumerable lives. And his impact continues to grow. What a legacy he will leave for others! And isn't that more valuable than any trophy or title? 
    Meadows really embodies the idea of giving back. And he makes that clear with his idea of real success. Mr. Meadows says success for him "would be leaving a lasting impact on others that creates a ripple of things that are good and positive." (Any wonder why I would rather be John Meadows than Phil Heath?)
  Real success flows outward. In other words, if you have enjoyed success in an area of your life, that accomplishment can lead not only to further personal success, but also gives you an opportunity to share the skills and knowledge you've gained to help others. Whether you're giving your time, talent, or money, a truly successful person gives back.
   So, yes, I'd rather be known for the positive impact I had on my family and friends, on my sport, and on my community than by my trophy count. And if I can't BE John Meadows, I sincerely want to be LIKE him.