Any change begins with a decision. Anything that you’re doing on your path to change should have a why attached to it. That why should have come from the same place as the decision to make change. Before we change just about anything in our lives, we must change our minds first. If your daily habits have gotten you here (to a place in your life where you want to change direction) it only seems natural that you’d need to change your habits.
As a Fitness Coach, it’s important that I challenge the choice of words my clients use during the workout. I believe that helping to reprogram the internal dialogue (monologue?) away from misleading phrases help to change the mind. What I’m suggesting is an argument you’ve heard before. Thoughts become words > words become actions > actions become habits > habits become your character > character becomes your destiny. You’ve heard it before. Don’t worry, this is not a blog about your destiny or your character. If you’re anything like me, an attitude adjustment is always welcome.
Try this on for size. You’re in the middle of a challenging exercise. A siren goes off in your mind that shouts, “this is hard!” As a follow-up, because our bodies don’t want stress, your body stops the exercise. Take two. You’re in the middle of a challenging exercise. A reminder goes off in your mind that speaks to you in the calmest voice you have, “I’m, intentionally, doing something challenging in order to become stronger!” As a follow-up, because your body doesn’t see this internal monologue as a stressed cry for help, your body continues working.
I’m not suggesting that you sing Kumbaya as you go for a PR on your deadlift. I’m certainly not suggesting that happy positive thoughts will make 100 pounds weigh an ounce less. I’m most definitely not suggesting that you lie to yourself. Don’t say “this is easy” when it may well be the hardest/heaviest challenge you’ve ever encountered. Sometimes, the challenge will be hard. It’s not called a WORKout because it’s easy. What I’m suggesting is that you still need to complete the work to reap the benefits. Make the work feel less like work by changing your focus. Don’t focus on how heavy the weight is, focus on how strong you are. Avoid those words that poison your training, like ‘weak’ or ‘can’t’. To say, “I’m too weak, I can’t do this” is the same as saying, “I have no desire to become stronger, I’ll choose not to try.” There’s another way to get it. Instead of walking away from the car because you’re unable to lift it, learn how to lift the car, one piece at a time.
Let’s talk anatomy. Have you ever said, “I have no triceps”, “I have no core”, “I have no muscles” or “I have no abs!” Yes, you do. You have all of those muscles. If you were born without any of those muscles, you’ve probably been to a number of specialists by now. The muscles are there and they keep us moving. Often, there’s a layer of protective love hiding our muscles from the world. Some people have less of a protective layer than others and that’s why the definition, in their abs for example, is easier to recognize. So, change your mind. Don’t think about the definition you don’t have. “Oh come on Jet, you know what I mean when I say that I have no abs!” No, I know what’s been said and it sounds like you don’t have any faith in your body’s potential to be great! Instead of focusing on definition, focus on how you feel. Focus on your love of the training and the definition will come.
Take the time to write down why you’re doing this. What reason is important (and long-term) enough to keep your inner monologue positive as you train? Write that reason down and repeat it, often. Enjoy your training!
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