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SteelWeaver
New member
I've been thinking lately ... seeing some of the posts here and on the diet board about people struggling with bingeing, craving, motivation, energy, goals, direction, lack of knowledge, etc ....
I've been thinking that there are a multitude of things that can separate us from our physique/strength goals, and while we allow those things control in our lives, our dreams will never be attainable. I think one needs to follow a kind of, almost, business plan, when setting out to achieve a droolable (as in
) physique/strength feat. Investment balanced against returns.
And deep down honestly, what I really believe is there is simply no point in doing a half job.
Here's what works for me:
1) Absolute and unwavering certainty that I can achieve whatever I set out to achieve. Overwhelming self-confidence.
This comes from:
2) Knowledge - learn and read everything you can about training and nutrition.
3) A support system - family, friends, elite, whatever ...
These three things synergistically feed into each other, and grow exponentially as soon as practical application gets thrown into the equation and you start seeing results.
How about a system?
1) Be realistic - a dream is one thing, but a pipe-dream is altogether another. Make realistic, achievable goals.
2) Make goals in steps - long-term is no good, it's too far away. Decide the long-term goal, but most importantly make sure you make the shorter-term goals that lead there. I personally believe longer-term goals look after themselves if you consistently achieve shorter-term goals.
3) Now you have a goal(s): evaluate how important the goal is in the grand scale of your life. If the goal isn't the over-riding most important thing to you, it's going to be easy to do a half job. Make sure the goal is in the top 3 most important things in your life (this is hard - unfortunately for me, it turned out my goals were more important than, or inconsistent with my relationship).
4) Decide exactly how you intend to achieve the first short-term goal and make a WRITTEN plan.
5) Figure out what you'll do in the case that you have to deviate from the plan. This is important.
6) Now start implementing the plan: minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month ... If you fall down, stand up again. Be proud (but not arrogant). Be stubborn (but not pig-headed). DON'T GIVE UP.
7) Be CONSISTENT in your desire, and in your implementation of your plan.
Most importantly:
8) Be FLEXIBLE enough to CHANGE the fricking thing if you stop seeing results!
I don't care how detailed the plan is: for me, I keep a training log and write down everything I do in the gym including how I feel. I plan ahead, and adjust based on how I feel, but I never don't go. I may drop a couple of sets if I'm very tired. I review it every 6 weeks or so, make small changes, and change the split every few months or so.
Everything I eat is decided beforehand - I'm never in a position where I have to wonder what's in the food I'm about to eat. If I know I'm going to be out, I prepare food beforehand, pack it and take it. My goals are more important than the minor inconvenience of having to carry a bagful of food around.
Some people get by on being less anal, some even more anal. I think it gets easier as it becomes more of a habit - in the end I think it just all comes down to good planning and CONSISTENCY.
Anyway, this is a bit jumbled - just wanted to offer my thoughts on a good spot to start if you feel you're not getting results. Naturally other suggestions are required
I've been thinking that there are a multitude of things that can separate us from our physique/strength goals, and while we allow those things control in our lives, our dreams will never be attainable. I think one needs to follow a kind of, almost, business plan, when setting out to achieve a droolable (as in
) physique/strength feat. Investment balanced against returns.And deep down honestly, what I really believe is there is simply no point in doing a half job.
Here's what works for me:
1) Absolute and unwavering certainty that I can achieve whatever I set out to achieve. Overwhelming self-confidence.
This comes from:
2) Knowledge - learn and read everything you can about training and nutrition.
3) A support system - family, friends, elite, whatever ...
These three things synergistically feed into each other, and grow exponentially as soon as practical application gets thrown into the equation and you start seeing results.
How about a system?
1) Be realistic - a dream is one thing, but a pipe-dream is altogether another. Make realistic, achievable goals.
2) Make goals in steps - long-term is no good, it's too far away. Decide the long-term goal, but most importantly make sure you make the shorter-term goals that lead there. I personally believe longer-term goals look after themselves if you consistently achieve shorter-term goals.
3) Now you have a goal(s): evaluate how important the goal is in the grand scale of your life. If the goal isn't the over-riding most important thing to you, it's going to be easy to do a half job. Make sure the goal is in the top 3 most important things in your life (this is hard - unfortunately for me, it turned out my goals were more important than, or inconsistent with my relationship).
4) Decide exactly how you intend to achieve the first short-term goal and make a WRITTEN plan.
5) Figure out what you'll do in the case that you have to deviate from the plan. This is important.
6) Now start implementing the plan: minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month ... If you fall down, stand up again. Be proud (but not arrogant). Be stubborn (but not pig-headed). DON'T GIVE UP.
7) Be CONSISTENT in your desire, and in your implementation of your plan.
Most importantly:
8) Be FLEXIBLE enough to CHANGE the fricking thing if you stop seeing results!
I don't care how detailed the plan is: for me, I keep a training log and write down everything I do in the gym including how I feel. I plan ahead, and adjust based on how I feel, but I never don't go. I may drop a couple of sets if I'm very tired. I review it every 6 weeks or so, make small changes, and change the split every few months or so.
Everything I eat is decided beforehand - I'm never in a position where I have to wonder what's in the food I'm about to eat. If I know I'm going to be out, I prepare food beforehand, pack it and take it. My goals are more important than the minor inconvenience of having to carry a bagful of food around.
Some people get by on being less anal, some even more anal. I think it gets easier as it becomes more of a habit - in the end I think it just all comes down to good planning and CONSISTENCY.
Anyway, this is a bit jumbled - just wanted to offer my thoughts on a good spot to start if you feel you're not getting results. Naturally other suggestions are required
