The following is an excerpt from the book Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle. I have already recommended this book a number of times in this blog. For knowledge on nutrition, this IS the book to read (for knowledge on training, Starting Strength and Beyond Brawn). This story told by Tom Venuto was intended for endomorph (fat) people training to cut fat, but it applies very well to ectomorph people like you and me training to gain muscle too:

“Motivation guru Anthony Robbins once told the story of a man at a seminar who was extremely frustrated with his lack of results in his business. The befuddled businessman said he had tried “everything” but nothing worked. Here is the exchange that went on between the two of them:

Robbins: “You’ve tried EVERYTHING???” Attendee: “Yes, I’ve tried absolutely everything!” Robbins: “Tell me the last HUNDRED things you tried,”

Attendee: ” I haven’t tried a hundred things.” Robbins: “OK, then just tell me the last FIFTY things you tried.” Attendee: “I haven’t tried fifty things.”

Robbins: “Alright then tell me the last DOZEN things you tried.” Attendee: (getting somewhat embarrassed) “Well, I haven’t tried a dozen things.” Robbins: “I thought you said you tried EVERYTHING! So tell me then, how many things HAVE you tried? Attendee: (shrinking back into his seat, embarrassed), “Two or three.”

Now ask yourself – and be honest – have you quit prematurely? How long have you been working at losing body fat? How persistent have you been? How many different training and nutrition strategies have you tried?”