We glorify and generate athletes and sports players in modern (and ancient) society. Why not give the same due respect and power to artist-athletes?

What’s an artist-athlete?

Athletes compete for prizes. They desire to win and become the best.

The public loves to watch athletes perform at their best. Also, we grant athletes certain privileges in their physical and physiological pursuits because we understand that it’s “their job”. But furthermore, we tend to respect athletes over artists because the athletes bring in the cash, and they also make a lot of money (at least the pros).

Athletes don’t need to be quiet

Something I noticed at the student gym:

Student athletes take up more space, yell more, generally have “poor” manners, yet everyone let’s them do as they please. Everyone else (non-athlete students) kowtow to them.

Why? Because they’re generally bigger and stronger (and this more intimidating). Also they often wear their “collegiate sports” shirts or clothing to signal that their workout is important, and probably more important than simply ‘normal’ students.

I like the attitude, because honesty, anyone can take on that attitude (if you’re gutsy and brash enough). For example when I’m about to attempt a new “PR” (personal record) in deadlift or squat, I will yell, do “power grunts”, take up space, and slam stuff around without apology. It’s a good attitude that anyone can take up.

Taking it back to art

Anyways let’s take it back to art. I think we should treat our artistry with the same rigor, discipline, training, regularity, and resources as athletes. Nobody is going to guilt LeBron James from “going to the gym too much” or for him “spending too much time playing basketball” and not answering emails. Basketball is his passion, his job, and his duty.

We must take our artwork very seriously

As an artist you should also take your artwork as seriously as a pro NFL or NBA player. It’s your duty, passion, and prime joy in life. Don’t let “work” and “responsibilities” get in your way. In fact, you should prioritize your artwork above everything else (above your job, career, kids, family, etc). Look at all the great philosophers and artists of history. Their artwork reigned supreme.

How to feed yourself

Let’s assume that making art is equally as taxing, difficult and physically challenging as sports.

What does an NFL player or strongman eat? They’re definitely not eating kale and quinoa and on a vegan diet (some are, but not the ones at the top). The apex competitors and athletes consume TONS of meat, protein, and animal products. Shouldn’t we artists do the same; adopt similar diets to apex athletes?

Fatty meats as optimal fuel

My optimal fuel and food-energy are fatty meats. Pork ribs, beef ribs, bone marrow, ground beef, steak, eggs, etc. For sides I just eat fermented foods like kimchi, saurkraut, and natto (new discovery; fermented soybeans). Also kale/collard greens. At the end of my meal, I’ll eat more almonds until I’m totally stuffed. No rice, pasta, carbs, breads, sugars, protein powder, supplements, potatoes, or starches for me. Also no alcohol, drugs, weed, and of course no soda, fruit juice, or deserts or sweets of any kind.

Sticking to this high meat, high egg, and high kale/collard green diet has helped me become 100x stronger (mentally, physically, artistically) and has also helped me become so much more creative, productive, strong and confident in myself.

Athletes don’t sleep deprive themselves

I think LeBron James sleeps 8+ hours a night. Why don’t you?

Let us not be suckered: to sleep less is NOT a virtue. In fact I see lack of sleep a vice. To sleep LESS than your body needs seems to be the real sin against yourself, your soul, and your spirit.

Friendly competition

It does seem that competition does bring our the best in athletes. If you harness the power of “positive envy” (striving to become as good if not better than LeBron James), you can reach new heights and new levels!

For example the other day I saw a student athlete squat 405 pounds for 6+ repetitions. Seeing that inspired me; I want to squat at least 405! The same goes with seeing some of the lifters there deadlift over 600 pounds. Witnessing the lifts in-person lets me know: with enough effort, determination, and practice I can become that strong as well!

Fuck genetics! You dictate your own future!

Once again, I know that it’s difficult to achieve, but it’s POSSIBLE! And witnessing the possibility with my own two eyes is all I need to motivate myself!