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Ownership.

Writer's picture: Benjamen Mayfield-SmithBenjamen Mayfield-Smith

In life, there are moments when you must decide to take control, to own your circumstances, or remain a passive observer. Ownership is not about assigning blame or making excuses; it’s about taking full accountability for the outcomes of your actions—or inactions. For those striving for high performance in both physique and mindset, embracing ownership is a non-negotiable foundation for success. It is what separates those who dream from those who achieve.



Coach Ben & Athlete Aiden Mcfadden

In my own journey, there were countless times when I could have let external circumstances define me. At a particularly low point in my early twenties, life handed me challenges that would have crushed many. Chronic injury, the loss of direction, and a spiral into depression painted a bleak picture. But even when the world felt beyond my control, I realised one thing: no one was coming to save me. If I wanted my life back, I had to take ownership of it. There was no alternative. This wasn’t about heroics; it was about survival. Owning my circumstances didn’t magically fix them, but it allowed me to start the slow process of rebuilding, one deliberate step at a time.


Stoicism Offers Wisdom


Stoicism offers profound wisdom in moments like these. Marcus Aurelius, in Meditations, wrote extensively about focusing only on what you can control and releasing what you cannot. This principle has served as my guidepost through adversity. There is no power in lamenting what cannot be changed, but there is immense strength in focusing on the choices within your control. Whether in the gym or in life, this perspective transforms obstacles into opportunities. You don’t waste energy wishing for a different hand; you play the one you’re dealt to the best of your ability.


This same principle applies far beyond bodybuilding. Whether you’re leading a team at work, managing relationships, or pursuing any ambitious goal, ownership remains the key. In Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, the authors emphasise that leaders must own everything in their sphere of influence. They don’t waste time pointing fingers or making excuses. Instead, they analyse failures, take responsibility, and adapt their strategies to achieve better outcomes. This mindset isn’t just for military commanders; it’s for anyone who wants to succeed.


Ownership is the Difference Between Results and Excuses


In fitness, ownership is the difference between results and excuses. How often do we hear people blame genetics, a lack of time, or poor resources for their lack of progress? While external factors can certainly make the path more challenging, they are never the deciding factor. Your effort, consistency, and willingness to adapt determine your outcome. If you’re not seeing results, the solution isn’t to abandon the process but to take a hard look at your execution. Ownership means asking yourself the tough questions: Are you training with intent? Are you fueling your body properly? Are you giving it time to adapt and grow?


One common trap is program hopping, where individuals switch from one workout routine to another every few weeks, chasing novelty rather than progress. This behavior stems from a lack of ownership. Structured programming is designed to deliver results, but only if you commit to it. Sticking with a plan allows for progressive overload—the gradual increase of stress on the body, which is essential for growth. It also enables program periodisation, the systematic cycling of intensity and focus to prevent plateaus and ensure balanced development. When you own your process, you trust the plan, execute it fully, and adjust when necessary, rather than abandoning it at the first sign of difficulty.


Ownership Requires Relentless Honesty


Ownership also requires relentless honesty with yourself. If you’re not progressing, it’s tempting to look outward for reasons. Maybe the program wasn’t “right” for you, or the timing was off. But the truth often lies within. Did you truly give your best effort? Were you consistent? Did you stick to the plan long enough to see results? This honesty can be uncomfortable, but it’s the only way to grow. Every missed workout, every skipped meal prep, every excuse is a choice, and ownership means acknowledging those choices without self-pity or deflection.


The power of ownership extends to every corner of life. In relationships, it means taking responsibility for your actions, your words, and your impact on others. In work, it means stepping up to solve problems rather than pointing fingers. In personal development, it means holding yourself accountable for your progress—or lack thereof. Ownership doesn’t guarantee success, but it guarantees effort. And effort, over time, almost always leads to success.


Ownership Transforms How Failure Is Perceived


Taking ownership also transforms failure. When you own your setbacks, you don’t fear them; you learn from them. You ask, “What could I have done differently?” and apply that lesson moving forward. This mindset shift is powerful. It replaces victimhood with agency, and helplessness with determination. Failure becomes not a stopping point but a stepping stone.


In my own experience, there were countless moments where I fell short. Missed opportunities, poor decisions, and personal losses could have easily defined me. But instead of letting them become my identity, I treated each as a lesson. What I lacked in perfection, I made up for in reflection and persistence. Ownership taught me that it’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about what you do next.


How Matter Clients Manage Ownership


For those of us in the Matter Athletica community, this principle is non-negotiable. High performance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through deliberate effort, relentless self-assessment, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Whether your goal is to step onto a bodybuilding stage, hit a personal record in the gym, or simply become the best version of yourself, ownership is the key that unlocks the door.


There’s a quiet strength in knowing that your destiny is in your hands. It’s not always easy, and it won’t always feel fair, but it’s always worth it. Ownership demands that you take full control of your life—not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not. It’s about choosing to act rather than react, to build rather than break.


The Take Home...

So, the next time you face a challenge, remember this: You have the power to own it. Not just the outcome, but the entire process. Own the grind, the setbacks, the small wins, and the big breakthroughs. Because in the end, success isn’t handed to anyone—it’s earned by those who refuse to quit and take full responsibility for every step of the journey.


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