P4X: The Best Kept Secret
THE POWER OF POSITIVE PEER PRAISE! or
The Best Kept Secret in Bodybuilding
This is not the first time I’ve written about “The Best Kept Secret In BodyBuilding!” The first time I was writing about a supplement company I was associated with and the superior service and expertise they offered their customers. Today, I am writing about BodyBuilding.com in general and specifically BodySpace. I believe the motivation and support members here give each other is truly the best kept secret in bodybuilding.
I have never been driven to improve the way I have been in the last couple of month since putting a profile on BodySpace. I’ve made a lot of on-line friends, renewed some friendships with people I knew in the past, and even have met 7 of my new BodySpace friends in person.
The support and motivation I get every day from BodySpace is a side effect of the reason I joined. I really did not expect it. But, I have been pleasantly surprised by how accepting 98% of the BodySpacers are of everyone, no matter what level you are at. The big guys support the small guys, the young guys support the old guys and EVERYONE benefits.
I have always had an interest in being in shape. I have felt committed to it for about 12-13 years, but I have never been as motivated as I have been in the last 2 months. And it is all primarily due to comments from you guys – the Power of your Positive Peer Praise.
Several years ago I helped write a series of articles about people who were getting ready for their first bodybuilding competition. It was called AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS, and most of them truly were amazing stories. The series was about people who had made a commitment to get in the best shape of their lives. They had found the combination of training, motivation, diet and supplements that worked for them, and at least 90% of them had one comment in common they consistently made – “I never dreamed I could look this good!”
Now I find myself saying the same thing! I believe I have found the combination of training, motivation, diet and supplements that is working for me and I never dreamed I could look this good. I believe the positive peer praise I have received by being a BodySpace member has helped me achieve the best conditioning of my life. I hope that I have been able to give back a portion of that support and praise in comments to others.
As I have said from the beginning, “It’s never too late to start – and so far, I can see no reason to stop!” Now, I am also saying, “Every time I think things can’t get any better – THEY DO! And, I firmly believe the best is still in the future for all of us.”
To the BodySpace Administrators, I say THANK YOU for providing this powerful tool to help us all achieve our goals. To each of you, I also say THANK YOU! Thank you for the positive peer praise, thank you for your acceptance and support, and thank you for your friendship! It all means the world to me!
As always – my opinion! -Ray
June 19, 2008 at 2:45 pm
First let me say that I completely agree with words reguarding Bodyspace. Everytime I lose the motivation, I log on read a few profiles, look at the progress of some others and I’m back. Secondly I want to thank you personally, because you have me thinking I can do this for awhile. You physique is something i aspire too now, let alone in ten or even 20 years, awsome job!
June 19, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Ray - everytime I read your blogs I feel like you have been inside of my mind, though it is written by you much more eloquently than I could ever do….
I am continually motivated by people here and surprise for me (as a woman) many of them are women…. Breaking the stereotype that most women are catty and not willing to offer any of their secrets to wanna bes like myself… not true here…. these women, the ones that many of strive to look like, are kind and willing to share to aid in anyone and everyone’s transformations!! Truly wonderful!!
thank you for sharing this!!
June 19, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Ray, we need more positive people like you. Your attitude is the reason why I’m here on bodyspace. You bring good to lives and thats very much needed. You thoughts and strength within is encouraging and addicting. Stay strong and we will too.
June 20, 2008 at 1:01 am
Amen Ray this bodybuilding lifestyle truly transcends all ages, race, male and female it’s a family like no other. Thanks for the positive words and being a part of the family. Stay strong!!!!
June 20, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Ray:
As always you have given voice to thoughts and sentiments that many have had but may not have known how to express. How did we get along before you joined? Many thanks for your positive mindset!
John
June 24, 2008 at 11:54 am
Ray,
You hit it right on the nose! Keep doing what you do! You Rock!
June 24, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Thank YOU buddy! I couldn’t agree more. I have found the members of bb.com to be very supportive and the peer praise they provide to be very inspireational.
June 29, 2008 at 9:47 am
RK, you hit htis one spot on my man.. just like a good workout your adivce and insight is very sweet indeed. Two thumbs up my man.. rep power for ya!
June 29, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Right on bro … I hope I am still looking ripped when I get to your age. Continue to be relentless!
June 30, 2008 at 7:44 am
Ray,thanks for saying what we all really know but fail to admit. We need each other and it’s great when we support one another and lift each other up. You motivate and guide us on. LEAD ON, man. Keep at it. Peace, Rich
June 30, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Right on! I hope I can keep a positive attitued and make it part of my life, just like you seem to have.