10 Traits of True Strength Masters
by: Josh Bryant
Tom Haviland squatting an easy 811 (and he is not a powerlifter).
I’ve trained everyone from elite special forces to world-record-holding powerlifters, with my athletes rewriting the bench press record books more times than Kid Rock’s been kicked out of Waffle House. Toss in some traditional pro athletes and the likes of Tom Haviland—the most well-versed strength athlete of all time, who could kick a meth-addled kangaroo’s ass with his pinky—and you’ve got a motley crew that makes strength history. Now, I’m about to lay down the 10 traits that separate the strongest of the strong from the guys who’d struggle to lift a jug of moonshine.
1. Consistency is King
The strongest athletes don’t train only when it’s convenient—they treat every session like a non-negotiable appointment. Sometimes, to be the man, you can’t be one of the guys. That means turning down beers with the boys, skipping a late-night rendezvous with the girl wearing nothing but a smile on that truck stop billboard off I-40 due west of the Indian turnpike, or bailing on your coworker’s birthday celebration. It’s a lifestyle—and sometimes, it’s boring, cold, dark, and lonely. But the body thrives on routine, a foundational Jailhouse Strong pillar.
2. Master the Basics
The best don’t chase every new circle-jerk trend. Remember when you were told superhuman strength came from the “static contraction” system? Or that the obesity epidemic would end with bastardized salsa music and dance classes? The elite stick to tried-and-true fundamentals, open-minded to new ideas as long as they hold up to logic and speculation from past experience. Repetition builds mastery, and that’s where they shine.
3. Eat Like It’s a Job
Nutrition isn’t just part of the equation—it’s the priority. The elite treat food as fuel, making sure every meal serves their performance and recovery. If it doesn’t contribute to gains, it doesn’t go on the plate.
4. Rest Up
Ed Coan didn’t reach the top by burning out. He knew the value of downtime and made rest a vital part of his routine. If you don’t recover, you don’t get stronger—plain and simple.
5. Tailor Training to Your Needs
Strong athletes don’t stick to generic programs; they tweak routines to fit their unique needs (or collaborate with a coach). They adapt, adjust, and fine-tune to keep the gains rolling.
6. Find a Mentor
The smartest move you can make is to learn from someone who’s already achieved what you’re aiming for. If you want to be a champion, seek out the advice of someone who builds champions. Can’t train with them in person? The internet has changed the game—use it. The opportunity is there if you want it.
7. Stay Open-Minded
Being open-minded doesn’t mean changing things for the sake of it. It’s about exploring different approaches to see if they’ll take you further. The greats know how to sift through the growing number of BS artists to find what truly works.
8. Turn Setbacks Into Set-Ups
Adversity doesn’t derail the elite—it fuels them. They don’t just survive tough times; they use them as stepping stones for a stronger comeback. For them, a setback is just a set-up for something bigger.
9. Be Adaptable
Life isn’t predictable. The strongest athletes stay flexible enough to pivot when circumstances demand it, making the most out of what’s available. Who could’ve imagined the government would shut down gyms? When it happened, champions found workarounds, whether it meant paying off the popo, setting up home gyms, or switching to bodyweight training. You can’t always do the best thing, but you can always do the next best.
10. Pursue Progress Without Overthinking
Top athletes are relentless in chasing improvement, but they don’t get bogged down by minutiae. They act decisively, knowing that real progress comes from consistent action—not endless planning.
Final Thoughts
Follow these ten traits, and you’ll be more than just another gym rat. You’ll be setting yourself up for a legacy of strength that even Dr. Bushwacker would toast to at Waffle House—and if you’re lucky, you’ll be on Tom Haviland’s level, kicking kangaroos to the curb with nothing but a pinky.
Become absurdly Strong with Josh’s XXL Strength and Size Program HERE.
