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View Full Version : Pride versus Manhood


AndrewMichael
09-26-2006, 01:51 PM
So today I believe I have found a very discussble topic to bring to the FORT.

Today lifting, I went with a co-worker of mine to the college weightroom. Usually I hope no one is up there, but alas about six or seven college football players were up there, blaring some stupid music. I decided to truck it out and pray through it, wanting to get a good lift in, trying to maintain my body instead of the usual "Lift twice, take two weeks off" that doesn't get me anywhere.

So, since I have been going two weeks straight, lifting as heavy as I can, I am back to getting about the strongest I have ever been in my life (no pride in this I hope you understand, just a fact). Well, now we get to my subject.

As I started deadlifting, I could just feel that I was going to have a good day (those that lift a lot might know this feeling), and I LIVE for it when it comes to lifting! Using my normal routine of: 225x7, 315x5, 405x1,2; I proceeded to go for more than I have ever gotten, 455.

This is when I noticed something in particular. As I went to do the weight, I noticed a couple of the football players start looking at it, kinda like "Does he really have that much on?", watching their eyes as they mentally count how many plates are on it, and I had this sense of "oh yeah, you know it."

So of course as I lifted it, there was NO WAY I wasn't going to get it, and after a huge adreniline rush, I finally got it up.

Which leads me to my point. We are men (or young men, whatever). We want to be manly, just as a woman wants to be femine, but where do you draw the line? With women, it is pretty clear cut, in my opinion of course. You look pretty but leave out pride or flirtation. Is it the same prinicple for a man? Ought we just to stay as men, an extent of "I know how to stand," but being ever careful to keep all pride out of our hearts? Or is there a certain level of not really pride, but confidence that a man must have to stay a man?

Willing to hear any opinions, and maybe how should I feel in the above situation?

joris
09-26-2006, 03:54 PM
be glad you have something you could be proud of;
(I don't feel proud of anything... in the sence that I never feel really interested, don't feel enjoying much at all, and often feel like I'm failure)

jtucker
09-26-2006, 04:01 PM
You have a food, shelter, clothes, internet, Be boastful of Jesus for giving you such blessings. For not all have them, like 4 years back or so we almost lost our house. Just be thankful we all have a place to go when it's cold out, or a place to eat when we get hungry, or clothes to put on. so many don't have even these essentials to live with.

Nate
09-26-2006, 04:27 PM
there's nothing wrong with having healthy competiton, and a little pride and confidence. Having friends around who are stronger or weaker physically, that push you further leads to success. Doing something to show off is arrogance. Doing something because you feel driven to do it isn't wrong though. You lift with other people to push you futher. Are you saying you feel like you were showing off? Sounds like you were going to lift that much anyway, whether they were there or not. I say grats. Work up to 500.

JoeC
09-26-2006, 05:11 PM
This is a really interesting topic, so I googled it.

http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/self-est/key.htm (http://www.rapidnet.com/%7Ejbeard/bdm/Psychology/self-est/key.htm)

Above link gives a counter-cultural view of pride and general self-esteem. A worthy piece to consider in this conversation. Not saying I agree, but I find it an interesting thought with potential.

I shall return after I get a chance to pull out my Strong's.