Genetics vs Work Ethics

[Tannhauser]

Originally Posted by Chillen

I implement a hard core "worth ethic" because in order to remove the millions of fat cells on welfare, tax the muscles and spend the nervous system, I must withdraw from my personal debit card and spin the genetics; its depends on me.

Period.

Don, you beat that metaphor to within an inch of its life.

[TitanCT]

it depends on the person. some rely to heavily on their genetics and some who have no genetics sit and bitch because they "cant get anywhere".

[tonpaulerc]

Genetics are poor in my family, so for me it has to be work ethic!

[emekajokammor]

Love to hear you guy's different angles on this topic

[Pull14]

You'd be a fool to say genetics don't play a role, but a solid work ethic determines how far the individual moves towards their goal. Some "get it" quicker and easier than others, but everyone has to show up and put in work to become successful. Some will rise to a higher level than others without a good work ethic, but they are limited by their work ethic as much as other guys are limited by their genetic potential.

I've meet way to many very gifted people who could have gone relatively far in a sport or actively but haven't and won't because they don't put in their time or have the drive to do so.

[Chillen]

Originally Posted by Tannhauser

Don, you beat that metaphor to within an inch of its life.

Another perspective on Work Ethic versus Genetics, are those individuals in which are middle aged or older (past their prime), in which think that age has eroded their capability (genetically) since hormones (etc), are at levels (on average) far below their prime years. In some instances, this makes some pocket their work ethic as they think its a waist of time to have goals relating to bodybuilding or power-lifting, and do not awaken their genetic set-point at this stage in their life.

When I was in my prime, I always seem to have a physical-strength set-point no matter what I did. When I went to Army boot camp (very early 20's), O.C.S., and the Police Academy, it wasn't (physically difficult) for me (and I did no training to prepare), and I wouldn't even come close to categorizing myself as "looking" muscular or physically fit. As I approached 40 and above, I "felt" this strength set-point drop. I also could see some major physical changes taking place: I was physically weaker, gaining fat tissue, dropping muscle mass, and heavier, as compared to my prime years.

My greatest regret toward my prime years, is the potential I see in my middle aged years. And, let this be a lesson for one's in their prime and for one's middle aged or older.

There are two comparisons to make. The first is that I "never" weight trained nor watched my diet within my prime, and my strength levels never declined and seemed to have a set-point. I didn't gain or lose any muscle (at least to the naked eye), though I did gain some fat tissue, was very healthy, and recover ability was very fast. In contrast, post 40 I saw muscle loss, strength decreasing, fat accumulating faster, and a drastic decline physically (in the visual sense).

The point? We all have genetic potential, and we are to play with the deck we are dealt. Do we have a choice? There are always choices, and some you can not take back.

In my prime, my genetic potential went "unrealized", as I did nothing personally to bring about genetic nourishment. I can never, ever, change that. But, the iron has taught me many lessons. It taught me: What could have been by what I see in the active present, what can be (by reversing and improving the aging process), what can come (by looking better than and feeling as good as in my prime), and that my body is still genetically willing and capable give the relationship with the iron.

It has proven, that by "realizing" my aging potential in the present, that I "unrealized" my genetic potential in my past.

And, for the young ones:

DO NOT DO THIS.

[emekajokammor]

^ Absolutley amazing post

[Davis]

I'm taking this from a non-lifting perspective. Great talent/genetics and a bad work ethic(I'm not talking procrastination or laziness, but as in won't train/practice) makes for shitty results. Bad genes and balls out effort gets good results. Good genes and balls out effort gets slightly better results. The sooner a person applies this, the better.

-A gifted guy who often forgets what I am posting here (not necessarily gifted in lifting)

[Chillen]

Originally Posted by emekajokammor

^ Absolutley amazing post

Thank you very much Emekajokammor.

In fitness, I spend very little time in the things in which I have no control over and a large amount of time on the things in which I do have control over. For example: The errors in my past (as in not training regularly in my prime, and realizing my potential) are the principle teachers in the present. Genetics can be a wonderful thing, but, what is far worse in my opinion, is ruining your own personal potential because (psychologically) one beats themselves up because they "think" they have less potential as compared to someone else. We ALL can be great in our own way. Just have to make it happen.

[ONpump17]

Certain things that are attributed to genetics can be changed through hard-work. Genetics is beyond your control, so except who you are, use it to your advantage (certain leanings in training, metabolic typing, etc) and work to become the best version of yourself as possible. It's all you can do.







Source: Personal experience and mental development due to having a training partner that has a genetic advantage over myself.