The word never shouldn’t be in your vocabulary.

Some people want to tell you that competing in a bodybuilding competition is a futile endeavor. You lack the genetics, you don’t have the time to put in the right work, we’ve all heard the excuses before. But they’re just that; excuses. Getting up on stage could be one of the most gratifying things you can do in your life and here’s why.

1. Gives you a goal

There’s nothing more important in life than setting a goal and following through on it. When you sign up to compete in a competition you’re likely to go into fight or flight mode. Either you’re going to train your ass off so you can do your best in the competition or you’ll turn tail and run. I suggest the former over the latter. There’s nothing more motivating than completing a goal.

2. Live without regrets

How many people go through life never following through on an idea that’s been churning in their head. Telling themselves maybe I can do it, until one day, due to time or bad luck, your chance to complete the task is no longer an option. Sitting down and wondering how you would’ve done is the worst feeling in the world. Here’s the cure for that: go and compete. This will eliminate all that worry.

3. Learn to deal with failure

You may not win every competition. Hell, you may not even place. But there’s a life lesson for you. Dealing with failure is one of the key components to eventually becoming successful. Not competing because you’re afraid of the losing is the kind of mentality you need to shed. If you’ve been thinking about competing then follow through if only to test your resolve and break that fear of failing.

Head on over to page 2 for the last two reasons. The last one just might surprise you.