Multi-million Dollar industries are built on the desperate need for people to find some hidden secret/truth or shortcut to lose weight, build muscle and look like the best version of themselves in a few weeks. Fad diets, fad exercise machines, all claiming instant success – you could not be blamed for believing that an ultimate cheat MUST be out there somewhere! Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s all is just marketing…
So what is the biggest reason some people are successful and some aren’t in their fitness/weight loss journeys, and well, life in general too? The simple truth is, no matter how many motivational Facebook/Instagram posts you look at, or fads you try, if you are not in the right set of mind, and in it for the long run, you will never do what you needs to get done, like getting to gym
A question I get asked often is “How do I get into the right mind space!?”. Hopefully these few tips that help me, can help you too…
Remember to start small, and continually improve in increments.
Committing to fitness is not just a switch you can turn on and off, or open up like a water tap. You’ve probably spent years doing what you are doing now right? These behaviours are deeply entrenched habits you need to break.
My wife always jokes that if she can just get her tekkies on to go to the gym, the hardest part is over. The habit of getting our of her work clothes and into her training gear is a big barrier for her. So she focuses on just getting her gym clothes on as quickly as possible when she gets home – strange I know, but it works (most days).
This process towards better decisions every day, is something that takes time to get in to. It is a gradual process you will need to build on day by day, week by week until you have formed new, entrenched habits. Start small, and build in increments!
Get your mind right for the long run
Another thing is, people want overnight results, and not seeing these results as quickly as we want, makes some people just give up. Sorry guys, just not going to happen quickly, so you need to wrap your head around the fact that this stuff takes time, so get your long-game face on. Depending on where you are in your journey, it can take a few months to a few years to get where you want to be. But like someone wise once said – Nothing in life that is worthwhile, is easy.
Reward yourself along the way too
Working to a huge goal is great, but what we often forget about are all the smaller milestones that need to be reached along the way to get to your ultimate goal. These smaller milestones need to be celebrated and rewarded along the way. I am a big fan of cheat days. I see so many people being so hard on themselves for not being perfect with their diets or training. We are human, we need to be kind to ourselves too – granted, you have been too kind to yourself in the past, which is why you are needing to get back to better habits, but a little bit of cheating goes a long way, ESPECIALLY if you’ve earned it.
Just imagine how that 4-tier chocolate monster of a cake slice is going to taste after you’ve worked a whole month to deserve it? I promise you, it will be the best slice of cake you will ever have!
It has got to be a lifestyle
The magic combination for change is Commitment AND Consistency. The best way to get consistency going is to form daily habits. Humans love routine, and if you can get it right to build your healthy habits in your day to day life, nothing will stop you!
Love the Process, not just the results
Many people I can imagine and visualise themselves as Rockstars, but few people are willing to spend hours upon hours practicing instruments, spending weeks or months away from home touring for gigs, sleeping in dodgy places and hoping for a record deal.
Same with being fit or your ideal weight, everyone wants it, but few are willing to do what needs to be done to get there. People who are successful in this not only want to achieve their vision, they love the process and the hustle of getting there too. If you can find a way to find joy in the hard work you need to put in everyday, nothing will stop you!
So there you have it guys! I would love to hear your thoughts on this and also what you guys do to get yourselves motivated every day.
Until next time!
Nico
PS. If you are looking for a Personal Trainer close to Fourways, Lonehill, Sandton, Jukskei Park area, contact me for a free, no obligation assessment session!