A vice can be a dangerous thing. If someone is fully controlled by their vice, they will always come up with some defence or justification for it.
I define a vice as a self-destructive habit that breeds hedonism and reliance. That might be something unique for different people – be that alcohol, cannabis, idle internet surfing (I’m guilty of this one!). I’m not going to quote all sorts of research telling you why drugs are not conducive to you reaching your training goals. You already know that. (Though if you’re interested, there is some mixed evidence on cannabis lowering testosterone, among other things. Not great when you’re trying to build muscle or lose fat).
Health schmealth. That’s not what this post is about. What I am more concerned with is the grasp something like this can have over you. This is not an anti-drugs message per-se. If you smoke weed, that’s not necessarily a problem. But be aware of this: Vices always start as something you choose to enjoy at your leisure. Eventually, it controls you until it becomes an addiction. This insidiously creeps up on you, so slowly that you may never realise you are addicted.
I have met many people in total denial about their vices. Yes, it is hard for us to examine our vices because we are emotionally attached to them – unwilling to admit they are holding us back. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no saint myself, and by no means am I free of vices. However, I am on the hunt for them, and I am gradually eliminating them.
If you are brave enough to be honest with yourself, you can gain control once again. Maybe the obvious ones of drugs, food and alcohol aren’t a problem for you? Too easy? How about judgement, approval, fear, procrastination or rationalisation? These are all potential vices. It’s easy to spot other peoples’ issues – don’t stop there. Use them as a reflection and ask yourself: ‘do I have even a hint of that?’. Look within and find what is holding you back.
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