Was General George Patton a bodybuilder? My guess is that he had neither the time nor the inclination to pump iron. However, what I do know is this WWII military hero led and inspired thousands of troops to victory as they overcame many huge obstacles. His thoughts can provide us with the motivation to work through the "tougher times" in our training. Gen. Patton's quotes are listed below with some points to provide the reader with a context for the hard work necessary to develop a great set of abs.

"You're never beaten until you admit it." Anyone can work through problems when things are going well, but it's a much different story when things are falling apart all around you. Success in building your six-pack abs hinges on your character as much as your plan. Your resolve to complete the reps even when your arms are burning is a measure of your character. Admitting defeat is rationalizing that you'll get back on the diet tomorrow as you eat the Twinkie.

"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory." If it were easy, everyone would enjoy a great set of abs. General Patton asks us to put in the sweat equity that it takes to achieve that which is not easy. In the children's story "The Wise Hen", all the barn yard animals were willing to eat the corn but none were willing to roll up their sleeves to plant or havest the corn. Nothing of value, including the six-pack you're working on, comes without some sacrifice.

"Better to fight for something than live for nothing." What are you willing to do to reach your goal? To answer this questions requires introspection. If he were alive, Gen. Patton would ask you what you are willing to sacrifice for your goals. He would demand that you approach your diet and training with a single-minded intensity, which would not be deterred by adversity. The path to the victory you seek will be lined with adversity for you to overcome.

"Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom." How well you deal with adversity is a measure of how well you will succeed in any endeavor whether it be building a great set of six-pack abs or combat on the field of battle. We have a tendancy to beat ourselves up when we make mistakes rather than accept the fact that "to err is human". A successful person will focus this effort on ensuring that such mistakes are not repeated and to increase the resolve to do it right from now on.

Conclusion: Whether in the military or the fitness battlefiled, General Patton's observations are there to inspire us to do our best. If you want that great six-pack, remember and live by those words.