Relentless pursuit is an art. It is mastered and developed by people who refuse to lose or be weakened by falling, failing or not being their best at something.

Relentless pursuit is utilizing knowledge, intensity and time to become the best in your field. Relentless pursuit is never giving in to failure. Instead, you learn from it and work harder — to create victory or success.

Relentless pursuit is choosing a goal and achieving it despite the hardships, problems or obstacles you encounter along the way.

Relentless pursuit is like a shark that has tasted blood and now is tracking its target. The shark will let nothing get in the way.

Relentless pursuit is the vision of an infrared scope that’s secured, locked and loaded on the bullseye of a target.

Relentless pursuit offers no excuses. It thrives and grows and becomes more intense with every success.

As a teen bodybuilder, I lost my first nine contests. Each loss became more painful and bitter. I heard about the sweetness of victory, and I wanted to taste it. So I found a mentor. I listened to him, learned from him and was relentless in my work ethic. I refused to fail anymore.

I won my next contest, and my vision strengthened so I could relentlessly pursue my goal. For the next 12 years, I won every contest I entered.

In my early years as a personal trainer (in the 1970s), I struggled and failed many times, but I wanted to be the best trainer I could be. So once again, I learned from great leaders and great trainers. I relentlessly pursued my goal ... and eventually I won Trainer of the Year for nine consecutive years while working at the Congressional Gym in Washington, D.C. I also was able to develop the Ultra Fit program, which has helped tens of thousands of people lose weight and become healthy.

I also struggled with business challenges. Fortunately, among my fitness clients were some top business leaders — Calvin Klein, for example, and American Express CEO Jim Robinson. So I learned about business from them. By utilizing that knowledge and combining it with relentless pursuit, I was able to achieve business success.

How does all of this relate to you? Simply put: If you utilize the same formula of relentless pursuit, you will succeed.

Start by choosing your goal. Then recognize and embrace the knowledge of someone who has succeeded in your field. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel; just work hard to make it spin faster — and go with it!

Relentless pursuit is an amazing way to ensure your success. If you make relentless pursuit your art, you can create your greatest masterpiece.