I read in a weightlifting philosophy book (NEVER LET GO, by dan john) that a good way to get yourself to do something specific and hard is to make an oath in front of others, like your family or internet chat groups, that you will eat a can of Alpo if you do not achieve the specific goal. the thought of eating the dog food may keep you on track. the positive aspects of squatting 250 (which I’m not actually really sure what they are, except my legs, back and ass will be stronger) are not really what keep people on track. it is fear of pain and humiliation. And so i pledged in front of my kids that i will dine upon Alpo next spring if I do not squat 250.