From Feb. 28 to March 1, 2025, Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda will challenge for the 2025 Arnold Classic (AC) title in Columbus, OH. In an interview with the Mulligan Brothers, Dauda described the pressure of going into a major show as the world champ, his success strategies, and more.
A cornerstone of Dauda’s success is his unwavering duty to routine, like eating the same meals for almost a decade. As Dauda explained, “Invent a lifestyle, not a diet. Not a plan for a few weeks — you must make a change that you can maintain even when life gets tough.”
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Routine, Pressure, & Support System
As the AC nears, habit becomes more essential as fatigue and self-doubt creep in, causing hyperawareness.
I don’t sleep anymore. When I sleep, I’m aware. It’s like being on too much caffeine; can’t switch off; overthink everything.
—Samson Dauda
Having a routine has been shown to decrease anxiety. It could help lessen mental fatigue, which affects performance. Not having to think about meal prep saves Dauda from stress, which can harm his mind and body. (1)(2)
Without a system, overthinking can lead to impulsive decisions and critical errors. Dauda learned the hard way from poor past performances, where not listening cost him higher placings. That’s why it’s key to have objective perspectives. His wife and coach, Mel, plays a crucial role in keeping him level-headed.
I had to conclude that, during prep, I no longer knew what was good for me.
—Samson Dauda
Dauda recalled nearly ruining his 2024 Olympia physique. Mel gave him a meal and told him to take a nap. Upon waking, Dauda remembers looking in the mirror and saying, “My god, this is the best I ever looked! Nothing changed; it was all in [my] head.”
Dauda, like many bodybuilders, often sees themselves as smaller than they are, also known as “Bigorexia.”
Public Scrutiny, Criticism & Feedback
Dauda spoke candidly about his vulnerability. “Oh, he’s not ready yet. He’s off. He’s going to fail”. Comments like these flood social media, but “The last thing you need to do is get on your phone and see what’s being said about you because that will tear you apart,” Dauda confessed.
There’s nothing more personal than your physical body; people judge and break it down.
—Samson Dauda
While not easy, Dauda is learning to filter out the noise. He warned against taking advice from others, including bodybuilders. “Looking at someone in front of you is completely different than looking at them through a screen. You miss 50% of the picture,” he expressed.
Hearing, “You look flat,” is a common critique that’s not always accurate, as Dauda explained the many nuances of physique assessment. Only a few voices matter to him: Mel and the judges.
Judges are the only people whose opinions I trust. They see you from the best angles and know what improvements you need.
—Samson Dauda
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References
- Hazell, J., Cotterill, S. T., & Hill, D. M. (2014). An exploration of pre-performance routines, self-efficacy, anxiety and performance in semi-professional soccer. European journal of sport science, 14(6), 603–610. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2014.888484
- Wu CH, Zhao YD, Yin FQ, Yi Y, Geng L, Xu X. Mental Fatigue and Sports Performance of Athletes: Theoretical Explanation, Influencing Factors, and Intervention Methods. Behav Sci (Basel). 2024 Nov 24;14(12):1125. doi: 10.3390/bs14121125. PMID: 39767266; PMCID: PMC11673376.
Featured image: @samson__dauda on Instagram
