This week, we are going to discuss motivation. For most people, this is fluid, not a solid. In other words, it waxes and wanes and is stronger on some days than on others. That is part of the human experience. I am a strong advocate for the use of a vision board for all kinds of reasons especially as it pertains to staying on task and keeping motivated. Our culture is very visual in our orientation to things, so placing pictures of things that get you fired up, off of the couch, and into the gym is pretty much guaranteed to work.
Having a buddy system or some kind of accountability is INTEGRAL to the success of any program. For many, indeed most, this usually means having a workout partner or a personal trainer. This person can provide a gentle nudge or a kick in the pants when needed. The presence of a confidante who really knows what is driving you can make or break your program.
I want to go on record as saying that I believe it is imperative that you be really honest with yourself about what lies at the core of your motivation and then make choices consistent with that. In other words, if you have embarked on your fitness journey because you want to look awesome in your bikini on the beach, then it only makes sense to spend time there, put up relevant reminder photos around your living space, maybe include some magazines like Flex or Shape on the vision board, safely work on your tan, and take surfing lessons! The key is to imagine what it would feel like to already have accomplished your goals. To do what I call ACTING AS IF. I am also a firm believer in the power of positive affirmations and visualization techniques. So taking time to imagine yourself turning heads while walking in the sand and getting compliments can go a long way in keeping you motivated and on task. It is a way of reinforcing this message to your subconscious mind.
On the other hand, if what is fueling your fire is a desire to compete as a bodybuilder, then naturally spending time at places like Gold’s Gym, World Gym, and other hole in the wall “Rocky style boxing gyms” as well as on Muscle Beach, at Fitness and Supplement trade shows, and bodybuilding competitions should keep you on track. There is a lot to be said for surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are either already successful in that industry or who have similar goals.
Whatever you chose the key to staying motivated lies in being very clear with yourself not only about WHAT your goals are but about WHY they are what they are. Honesty is the best policy, especially in this case, and being transparent with yourself makes it so much easier to accomplish what you set out to. Trust me I know. I am proof.
Mark is a sponsored Warrior Force athlete / ambassador, transformational speaker, actor, model, and brand ambassador for Gaiam TV, garnering international publicity on TV, radio, print, and digital media platforms. He has appeared on over one hundred programs, including The Doctors on CBS, Real World and True Life on MTV, Leverage on TNT, Grimm on NBC, The Aware Show and American Ninja Warrior on G4, and numerous other print and digital media outlets totaling more than a dozen magazines with four covers to date including Fitness Rx For Men, www.bodybuilding.com, Veg News, People of Shambhala, and Optimyz Magazine in Canada. Mark is a twice decorated firefighter / paramedic who retired from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and is the recipient of both a Medal of Valor and a Community Service Award for Heroism. His story is now the subject of a mini-documentary titled Man on Fire (produced by TV 20 in Cleveland). It will also be adapted as a film short produced by The Synergy TV Network this summer in Los Angeles. The first in a series of three books detailing his miraculous journey (titled Firestorm Rising) is due out later this year. His website is www.getimpowerednow.com and he can be reached at: https://www.facebook.com/EisenhartMark, @GetImpoweredNow (follow me on twitter), gaiamtv.com/manonfire, https://www.facebook.com/RattleTheCages, and https://www.facebook.com/WarriorForceEisenhartMark
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