The Hybrid Philosophy: Endure Overcome Dominate

Life is a fluid process. There are times when you think you have figured it all out; you know what you want and how you are going to get it. Then the unexpected occurs. It could be injury or illness, a shift in perspective or responsibility that causes you to reevaluate your path and goals. Personally, I have experienced the ups and downs, moments of achievement and self-doubt that each of us encounters as we attempt to navigate the path to our goals.

For me, staying the course and eventually obtaining these goals boils down to the ability to Endure, Overcome, and Dominate any obstacle or deterrent I might encounter on the way to the finish line. Regardless of what your goals are, you have to ask yourself, “How bad do I want it?” If you want something, I mean you can’t live without it. Like your life would be incomplete if you were not able to get it; then what are you going to let you stop you? If you fail, you obviously did not want it bad enough. No excuses. No self-pity. You simply chose another pathway or elected to give up on yourself and your goals.

It is important to know that this belief system is not something I read somewhere or made up because I thought it would look cool on a T-shirt. I have come to live by this philosophy, in life and in competition, after watching my father battle and eventually lose his life to brain cancer. My dad, Al Vennare, was my best friend. He taught me the importance of maintaining my character and convictions regardless of the situation I might be confronted with. A true source of inspiration, he was able to maintain his character and conviction during his struggle to beat his diagnosis. Time and time again, I watched as he Endured treatment, Overcame the pain, and Dominated the demons that sought to strip him of his dignity. They never did.

So let’s revisit the question, “How bad do you want it?” No matter what you are working towards; regardless of whether it is sports related or a personal struggle, you will emerge victorious if you are willing to eliminate the negativity, the fear, and the excuses that are holding you back. If you find yourself doubting your ability to complete the task at hand, remember the phrase: Endure. Overcome. Dominate. Think about a man who, in the face of a terminal diagnosis, refused to compromise what he believed in or stood for. Then, I hope you think twice about giving up on yourself and your goals.