Are You Making The Right Changes??

Contributed by Coach Brian

Your Own Worst Enemy?

Reaching your goals can sometimes feel like an uphill battle that just keeps getting harder as you go.  Why is it that some people, with seemingly similar time and resource constraints, can still achieve success in areas that you fall short?  Why were you able to be successful in the past but can’t seem to get back on the right track after falling off?  What’s really holding you back?  To answer those questions, you must first reflect on your current situation and answer the more important question:  How much of that steep incline that you're fighting against is actual real world obstacles, and how much is mental or emotional baggage manufactured in our own head? 

In all aspects of our lives we have to overcome obstacles to achieve what we want.  In order to do this we draw on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors to help us do what needs to be done to achieve the desired results.  Much like standing at the center of a seesaw and trying to get to one side, if there is a ton of weight piled up on the side you don’t want to be on, then it’s going to be a steep climb to get to the other end.  That means you have one of two options, try to pile up more weight on the positive side, or try to remove some of the weight from the negative side. 

Tipping The Scales In Your Favor

Most people immediately start trying to pile a bunch of positive behaviors on the good side of the seesaw, which is not all together a bad thing.  Making steady, progressive positive change is essential.  However, many people fail to look at the behaviors that they are still doing on a regular basis that are dragging them back down.  They say old habits die hard because it’s always tougher to give up something you are used to than to jump into some new thing that you think might help.  That’s why you see people doing things like taking weight loss supplements, but still eating junk food multiple times a week.  Or my personal favorite, hardcore diet and exercise during the week and then completely blowing it up with food and drinks all weekend.  If you’re just looking for a good way to maintain then that will be fine, but if you want to make progress you have to start giving up some of your bad habits. 

Before you start trying to find the next big miracle product that will change your life, start by actually changing your life.  Also recognize that constructively addressing your detrimental exercise or nutrition behaviors is different than mentally beating yourself up over them.  Nothing positive can ever come from negative self-talk so don't go down that road.  Just take an objective look at which behaviors are the most counterproductive and then make small changes to them each week.  If you hit some set backs, don't dwell on them and have a pity party.  Just let them go and get back on track.

Our coaches are here to help you with making changes both in and out of the gym, so don't hesitate to contact us for a Strategy Session.