The Right Mindset: 6 ways You Can Shift your Mindset to Help You Achieve Your Goals
In September, we see a lot more people coming back to the gym after taking time off to enjoy their summer. Getting back into the swing of things can sometimes be tough. Whether you’re new to the gym or coming back after a break, getting into the right mindset can keep you motivated and inspired.
6 ways to Shift your Mindset to help you achieve your goals:
1. Your current health and fitness level IS the perfect starting place.
Don’t trick yourself into thinking you must wait until you can run 3km or do 10 push ups or execute the perfect squat. It’s nonsense! I get it, it’s a comfort level and confidence thing, but confidence comes with starting and beginning to feel better and stronger and comfort zones keep you exactly where you’re at. Just. Start. Now.
2. Your weight on the scale is not always an indication of your efforts.
If weight loss is your goal, then please do not check your scale daily. Still after all these years, I see people (mostly women) obsessing over 2-3 lbs. on the scale. Your weight can fluctuate daily. We gain muscle while losing fat, we retain water, deal with hormones etc. There are many reasons why you may not see the number you want. If you feel amazing, stronger, happier and more energetic, then don’t waste your time getting frustrated with a few pounds. Please ditch this mindset. Workout and eat better to feel better and to know you’re treating your body and mind well.
3. Find yourself a goal unrelated to weight.
Maybe you want to do 10 push ups by the end of next month. Or perhaps you want to run 1km without stopping; do 1 pull up or higher box jumps. Choose something that will make you feel strong when you achieve it. Pick something that will empower you to keep going until you reach that goal. Setting these types of goals, no matter how small they may seem, feel priceless once you’ve achieved it. You’ll be able to see your progress in strength and stamina no matter what the scale says. This feels pretty awesome.
4. Workout buddies are awesome, but being your own motivator is even better.
Working out with friends is fun. It creates accountability and helps you get your butt to the gym or out for that run. BUT, being motivated enough to make it happen on your own is empowering. Have a workout buddy for sure, but be in the mindset of your health and fitness being up to you, not based on whether or not your friend can make it. Show up for you.
5. Don’t get into the ‘All or Nothing’ Mindset.
Please don’t! I’ve watched too many people sabotage all their efforts due to this mindset. If you miss 1 day or 2 or 5, don’t quit. Don’t say to heck with this month just because you’ve missed the first week. That type of thinking will only guilt you into your workouts, and that’s not very inspiring. Life happens. Sometimes we get unexpectedly busy, sometimes we just need more rest, and sometimes we’re killin’ it every day. Roll with the punches. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Living a healthy lifestyle is not all or nothing. Far from it.
6. Appreciate what your body can do right now.
You may not have thought about it before, but start to pay attention and appreciate all that your body can do. It’s quite amazing. It can change and get stronger and become more energized if this is what you’re asking it to do. Appreciate even the smallest positive changes and the big changes will come.
Ultimately, if your health and fitness isn't where you want them to be then changing your mindset is a must. The same thinking that got you here will have to change in order to get you to where you want to be.
“Trade your expectation for appreciation and the world changes for you”
- Tony Robbins
