Now that you’ve set a goal and taken your lifestyle into consideration, is there anything else that comes to mind before you actually begin? Actually there is. Mindset. So now you’re ready to take on this mission which requires a word that I’ve used for practically the whole time that I’ve been working out in my life. That word is “dedication.” You could also say things like commitment, conviction or anything else that works to keep you driven. Which is another great word to use. It reminds of this quote from David Goggins(Navy Seal), who said, “Motivation is crap. Motivation comes and goes. When you’re DRIVEN, whatever is in front of you will get destroyed.” We all have words that work better for us. When it comes to working out, I like to keep it simple. You don’t need an entire book to keep your mindset right. Besides, once you get into a weekly, monthly and an eventual yearly routine, it won’t take much to keep you going because it has become habit. Taking a day off will not feel right to you unless you already planned on doing so, and as I said before, the older you get, the harder it is to recover what is lost by procrastinating.
Now that you’ve found your drive, what is it that helps to propel you while you’re actually working out? For me, it’s music. I pretty much can’t workout without my music, and for me it has to be some form of metal. Particularly, I have an album in my playlist that I never take out, because the words and the music work so well for me. It’s my adrenaline when I need it most. Just being in front of other people or your workout partner can be enough to push you too. Knowing that there’s an attractive person in the gym can do it. Maybe you want to make an impressive change for your significant other. Just keeping that person in mind could do it. As for me, when I turn on that music, it’s all go from there. It’s like a temporary journey for my mind. So find that inspiration, that drive, before, during and after the gym and stay away from any negative type thoughts that will keep you down and out. Easier said than done, I know. I remember someone who said, “On the days that you don’t feel like going most, that’s when you HAVE to go.” Determination.