Changing your body can often mean changing your mind too. It can be an uphill battle at the best of times, but without the right mindset, you may never get to your transformation peak.
By building ‘mental muscle’ and training the mind to support your exercise, you will be well on your way to achieving your goals. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL
Don’t just make a mental commitment. Write down your goal and remind yourself often by displaying it in as many spots as you can; on the fridge, the bathroom mirror or even set your iPhone background. Write your goals as if they have already happened. For example, instead of “I would like to be 65kg by July”, say “I will be 65kg by July”.
2. CREATE A CATCH PHRASE
Find a word or a quote that resonates with you and say it to yourself in the moments when your mind starts telling you “I’m too tired” or “I don’t have time”. Recognize these negative thoughts and use your catch phrase to consciously shut them down.
3. VISUALIZE
There is nothing more powerful than your imagination. Picture yourself smashing out your next set of reps, walking out of the gym after a great workout, overcoming a setback, and ultimately, achieving your goal.
4. BUILD MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Look at every workout as a challenge rather than a threat and rise to the occasion. The feeling of accomplishment will do wonders for your mindset. Every action you take to move towards achieving your goal is a good one.
5. STAY POSITIVE
The moment you begin to say “I will never weigh 65kg” is the moment you will convince yourself you won’t.
6. SHARE YOUR GOALS
By sharing your thoughts with someone you trust, you can stay accountable to your goals. This might be a professional (like a personal trainer), a partner or a close friend. When things are difficult, when temptation is rearing its ugly head, they are the ones that will encourage you to stay on track.
