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There is a powerlifting routine I employ from time to time known as “German Volume Training,” or simply, “GVT.” With GVT, the focus of a workout is on only one main lift, but a great deal of both time and effort is spent on that one exercise, hence the “volume” part of the name.

For example, on squat day, I would do a thorough warm up, work up to a moderately heavy weight (about 75-80% of my max) and then proceed to do 10 sets at that weight. No one set is overwhelmingly difficult, but the accumulation of the workload is brutal.

Because of the sustained focus this routine requires, I typically use hashmarks on a piece of paper to track the sets so I don’t have to remember which number I am on. Just one less thing for my brain to have to do while I struggle to remain engaged. Each hash mark is a little victory as I work my way through the 10 sets.

However, when I get to my tenth set, I don’t put down the final hashmark. I always stop at nine. I’ve been omitting the final mark for the past several years as a reminder that I am never really finished. There is always more work to do.

I do not intend for this to be a hopeless, Sysiphian reminder of futility, but more of a motivator to never slack off or become complacent. It keeps me from resting on my laurels. As good as it feels to finish one workout, I must remember that I will have another one coming around soon that will require the same amount of effort and attention.

This little game is my reminder that, although breaks are okay, I never get to quit. Excellence never gets to coast. There is no retirement from living purposely and intentionally. Accomplishment is not a finish line; it is the beginning of a new chapter.

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