Cressey on Work Ethic
Written on June 13, 2007 at 2:21 pm, by Eric Cressey
This is the foundation for everything. I’d like to be able to give you a quick-fix answer, but the truth is that nothing will ever go as far as elbow grease and perseverance. It sucks, but work long hours – longer than you could even imagine. I have regularly worked 80+ hour weeks for as long as I can remember; at times, it has been 40 of athletes/clients (some for free) and 40 of writing/online consulting/forum responses. I did it in the past so that I could get to where I am now, and I do it now to capitalize on the foundation I put down in the past and so that I can spend time with my family when that day comes.
I had a conversation with Mike Boyle on this back in December, and asked him flat-out where I should draw the line on work and play. His response: “At your age, you don’t. Sleep in the office if you have to. It’ll all pay off.” You won’t find someone who works harder than I do, and when one of the most sought-out performance enhancement coaches in the history of sports gives an overachiever like me that kind of encouragement, you not only pay attention; you go from really productive to crazy productive.
So, in short, the truth is that I have busted my butt from day one and wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t done so. I didn’t spend a penny on alcohol in my college career; it was better spent on resources such as books, DVDs, seminars, and quality food and supplements to make me the lifter and coach that I am today. I never went on Spring Break; I worked in gyms and with athletes at universities for every single one of them through my six years of college education (undergraduate and graduate).
I didn’t abuse my body with excessive late nights – or any alcohol or drugs – because I knew how such behavior would affect my training, coaching, and writing. I haven’t even watched an episode of Survivor, 24, American Idol, Lost, Alias, Will and Grace, The Apprentice, or any of a number of other popular shows I’m forgetting to mention; I’d just rather be doing other things. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve still had fun along the way, but I’ve gotten better about finding a balance. Life is all about choices, and I chose to be where I am today.
Eric Cressey
Have you ever wondered what separates the average trainers from the best of the best?
Category Blog | Tags: Building The Efficient Athlete, Eric Cressey, Magnificent Mobility, Mike Boyle, Rotator Cuff Exercises, Rotator Cuff Rehab, Shoulder Exercises, Shoulder Health, Shoulder Impingement, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Rehab, Unstable Surface Training, Weight Lifting Program, Weight Lifting Routine, Workout Program, Workout Routine
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June 13th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Eric- I always admire the work ethic you display in and out of the gym. Admittedly, my own doesn’t hold a candle, but it’s good to have a role model. I’m definitely going to start reading a book/publication a week in my field and go from there…I like the idea of simple improvements made over time. Thanks for the inspiration!
June 17th, 2007 at 4:39 am
Damn Eric, I thought I could just sit on my butt, meditate and all good things would come to me. I guess you’re saying it takes a lot of positive action.
Actually I work around 70 hours a week but I love what I do so it doesn’t even seem like work. If I didn’t love my work even 30 hours would seem like hell.
I guess being passionate about it is the key
I admire your work ethic Eric and it’s obviously paying off
Chris