They say comparison is the thief of joy, and in the case of bodybuilding preps… comparison can be heavily distracting, confusing, and in some cases make an athlete feel like they’ve been defeated 8+ weeks out from their actual show!
While we aren’t here to argue that the process undertaken to stage will heavily influence a competitors outcome, we are here to drill-in this take-home:
The bodybuilder who wins on show day will be determined by who has the best physique on stage. There is no one, magic formula of calories, carbohydrates, cardio, training and the like that will guarantee a first place trophy.
It’s fine (and encouraged!) to be curious about alternative strategies and protocols other competitors may be undertaking. However, it’s critical to converse with your coach if you’re questioning your own methods compared to others. Curiosity and questions lead to discussions, which not only results in answers but also the ability to LEARN the reasoning behind why you’re executing a prep in a specific fashion that has been individualised to you.
As cheesy as it may sound, trust the process.
It’s important as a competitor to stay level-headed and focus on the boxes YOU need to tick each day to ensure that you’re on track with YOUR prep.