“Whether you think you can, or you can’t-you’re probably right.” -Henry Ford
I’m not a huge fan of motivational quotes. Cringeworthy, generic and usually not applicable to the most difficult endeavours in life, I think one of the worst things about the fitness industry is the motivational post. A picture of a sweating athlete with a grayscale filter and some block lettering over the top does very little for me. However, Henry Ford was on to something with the very simple quote above. I’d be hugely surprised if he was thinking about the gym when he spoke those words though. Belief in oneself is an underrated personality trait, and the psychological barriers we put up when challenges arise is a defence mechanism against the prospect of failure. I’ve had the fortune to be bought up in a household where I was told I could do anything I wanted, which slowly bred the mindset within me that I’m capable of anything (within reason).
I’m aware that this isn’t the case with everyone, and consider myself lucky that I have assurance from those around me that I can do whatever I like and want if I put the effort in. This has driven me further as it’s made me realise I won’t understand what my potential is unless I keep trying things and pushing myself. Not necessarily just from a fitness perspective, but in all aspects of what I choose to do. I think this is aided by the fact I have a hugely competitive streak and have found it helpful to be extremely organised when it comes to using the gym and competitive sport. I hate being late, I cannot stand rushing and I like knowing exactly what I’m doing in each day. I feel this allows me to focus and perform how I would like to. Every evening after work, I pack my bag for the following morning and lay out my gym wear. It takes 5 minutes and keeps me in a routine. It also eliminates excuses and overthinking as I have found that it’s very easy to talk yourself out of a gym session. No need for motivational quotes when I simply can get ready in about 20 minutes without agonising about whether to make the effort or not.
We all need a little help with motivation at times-some look to the aforementioned vague quotes found all over social media, which is fine. A huge amount of motivation comes from within however, meaning being honest with oneself and creating objectives are two easy ways of staying focussed. Personally, I have got to the stage where if I have struggled to fit in a gym session or some form of exercise in a day, I genuinely feel a small amount of guilt creep over me. It’s not particularly healthy or even rational, but it does get me to the gym sometimes and I always feel better afterwards. You get a small sense of accomplishment once you’ve finished and knowing that feeling is coming can be an incentive in itself. I often ask myself if I’ve done anything productive that day, have I tried my best and pushed myself at all? Going to the gym with a half-committed attitude is easy, especially when you’ve been at work all day or there’s something else at home you’d rather be doing. I’ve done it plenty of times and I’m not afraid to admit it. When you’re alone in the gym it becomes even harder, and sticking to your task can become almost unbearable when you start to argue with yourself. Working out a way to stay on-task can take time and patience, and won’t always be helpful in using your time wisely.
I heard a quote the other day from a sponsored Forex trader on Instagram (the best source of cringe-worthy and generic advice if you’re looking for it) which stated “if you’re struggling, remember why you started in the first place.”. On face value, this might even seem fairly rational and stable advice. Apply it to the gym and fitness however and you’re in trouble. I started going to the gym years ago, with almost no knowledge about healthy and productive lifting. I wanted to get more athletic (whatever that meant in my 17 year old head) and worried more about my arms growing than being functional and strong. If I reverted back to why I started in the first place as a way of getting myself to work out, I’d be bicep-curling and bench pressing every day. This is why it’s important to look forward to what your objectives are, rather than back to when you began. I understand the sentiment, but feel it has little relevance to those looking to actively improve their health, body composition and general fitness and wellbeing through gym usage. Make objectives, listen to your body and think about how you can improve. This is a more fundamental and measured way of motivating oneself.
It’s impossible to be consistently motivated all of the time. Even professional athletes aren’t, and it’s natural that motivation ebbs and flows. The last week and a half has been particularly tough mentally, due to friends visiting, work commitments and general fatigue. Accepting that this is part of life has been my response, and refocusing by allowing myself to enjoy a weekly ‘cheat’ meal as well as not being too hard on myself has helped. I eased off slightly with regards to gym usage and a couple of sessions have been shorter and less productive than I would have ideally liked. I had a rest morning the other day, threw myself into football training that evening and gave myself plenty of time for a demanding leg day on the day of writing this. Remaining thoughtful and having some perspective on my situation has been helpful and given me a chance to refocus.
I had an interesting and an in-depth conversation about motivation with my line manager this week. She asked what got me out of bed in the morning and my first thought was “Well if I don’t get up and go to the gym and work, I don’t get paid and can’t pay rent/bills/food/exist…”. I resisted the urge to say this and after a long and revealing conversation, I realised one of the first things I thought of was the gym. I do go to the gym every weekday morning before work, and was almost pleased that I had coached myself into recognising this as a requirement of my day. It validated my efforts, which are reflected in my physical output. I’ve never felt stronger or more physically capable, which made it even stranger to me that I felt demotivated this week. After some self-reflection and positive self talk, I allowed myself to relax, go a little easier on myself and switch off a little (something I find very hard to do). This got me back on track from a mental perspective and has allowed my motivation to return. I didn’t have multiple rest days, diet pills or a huge night out to get myself back to where I needed to be. A quiet word with myself and giving my mind a chance to recover did the trick. I know now I’ll attack the week effectively, and that came from within.
Little things can help. The gym and using it can be very monotonous at times, so having small incentives that aren’t goal-based can be hugely helpful in motivating oneself. I find new protein powder, gym clothing and music can help. Downloading a new album can allow a different frame of mind and looking forward to listening to it can change your perspective on a workout. I bought a new gym top recently which gave me another distraction from a potentially gruelling workout. My new protein powder is disgusting (took a risk with mint chocolate chip) but variety can help and choosing different fruits to mask its flavour was even an aid in getting me to the gym. Find the small things, use them and remember where you want to be-not why you started.
The journey of fitness. 