Have you ever started an exercise program hoping that you would get motivated by results? You know, when you expect to see big changes in your body so you can get pumped to continue?
If so, you probably also felt your motivation going down the drain when the results didn’t meet your expectations, right?
How many times have you said that you were going to lose weight? And how many times have you given up before you got there?
According to several researches, almost half of the adult population of the USA (49.1% – CDC 2018), UK (48% – Mintel 2016) and Australia (46% – DAA 2017) are actively trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, the success rates seem to be very low because many people make several attempts throughout their lifetime.
But what is the real problem here? Is weight-loss a mythical creature that no one seems to know how to capture?
In my perspective, the problem lies on how we have been conditioned to approach weight-loss and it all starts with the goal setting process.
You see, for most people, weight-loss is not even a goal. At best, it is an intention. The same as getting rich, being successful or finding happiness. What does it even mean?
If you have been struggling with weight-loss, you must watch this video. In this video, I explain how a simple shift in perspective can improve your long-term motivation and commitment, helping you staying on track.
You know how we can feel very confident one minute and totally inadequate the next?
Well, that happens because we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. It’s not as if we do this on purpose. It happens automatically in our unconscious mind.
You see, in order to process the immense amount of information that comes our way every second, the unconscious mind must find a way to filter what is relevant and important.
The fitness industry loves Challenges. And at this time of the year, they seem to be everywhere: “40-day build challenge” or “12 weeks to a bikini body.“
I’ve never been very fond of challenges because they tend to reinforce behavioural patterns and beliefs that are not beneficial.
For instance, most challenges are short-lived contributing to the erroneous belief that losing weight (or building muscle) is a fast process. To deliver results in such short period of time, most programs rely on endorsing extreme behaviours that are not realistic (or safe) for the average person. Those behaviours generate an enormous amount of deprivation which could potentially lead to unhealthy compensatory behaviours (binging, purging or over exercising). Besides, most programs don’t expand on how to maintain the results, so once the challenge is over you are on your own.
You know how people start very excited about a goal just to lose motivation within a few weeks?
This is because it is normal to experience an emotional roller coaster as we pursue a goal. One day, we are super excited and passionate. The other, we may feel overwhelmed and discouraged.
The biggest challenge is to go through the downs without falling off the bandwagon. But how do we do that?
In this video, I share my top tip for staying connected and committed to your goals even during hard times.
The journey towards any goal is seldom a straight line. More often than not you will face challenges. It’s a normal part of the process.
But the problem is that these challenges may have a direct effect on your mind, creating a turmoil of emotions. Emotions that if not taken care of, tend to escalate to humongous proportions preventing you to reach your goals and dreams.
Let’s take a closer look at the emotional roller coaster that is a fitness journey.
Another year is over. There is something about new beginnings that fill our hearts with hope. Hope that this time everything will work out. That things will be different.
But the truth is that it will only be different, if you are willing to do something different this time.
No, this is not another post about setting New Year’s Resolutions. We know very well that they don’t work. It’s also not about setting SMART goals. And while I do like setting goals, I also know that they are easier said than done.
People don’t fail because they can’t set goals. They fail because they can’t follow through.
Do you know anyone who went through a full transformation? I mean, someone who has drastically changed his/hers habits? A complete overhaul.
What do you think happened to this person? Do you think that he/she has an enormous amount willpower, determination and self-control?
Well, I assure you that it was more than that.
You see, willpower is a conscious decision that requires a lot of energy and effort, making it a limited resource that can only be accessed when you are at the top of your game. This means that when you are felling tired, stressed, sad, angry or even bored, you will not be able to use your willpower. (can you remember a time in which you were resolute to wake up early to go to the gym, for instance, but in the morning when the alarm went off, you simply convinced yourself to stay in be?)
The truth is that all change happens on the subconscious level because that’s where our habits, patterns and addictions are stored. Willpower, on the other hand, is part of the conscious domain and the conscious mind is only responsible for 5% of our mental capacity. The other 95% is run by the subconscious mind.
To explain this concept I like using the following metaphor.
Imagine that your conscious mind is a tiny little person. This person is supposed to ride on top of a huge elephant. The elephant is your subconscious mind.
Now, the rider is smart and has the ability to guide the elephant through the path he wants. However, because of the difference in size, the rider doesn’t have the power to control this elephant. If the elephant for some reason gets scared, distracted or impulsive, it take off in the opposite direction, and the rider will not have the strength to prevent it from running away.
This means that to make permanent changes, you will need to learn what motivates your elephant, so your rider can easily guide it through the path you want.
Let’s talk about body image. How do you feel about your body?
If you are dissatisfied with your appearance, you are not alone. Take a look at the following statistics from Eating Disorders Victoria.
Weight loss is the most common fitness goal. In any given time, there are lots of people obsessing about their weight, size or shape. It is the single biggest reason why people start exercise programs.
It is also a very lucrative business. The weight-loss industry makes millions off people’s insecurity. According to Ibis World:
And because it is so profitable, it doesn’t really want to provide a definite solution. So it keeps feeding people’s insecurities so they can have a customer for life.
Weight-loss industry tells you to worry about your weight, obsess about your food, follow the newest trend, exercise to burn calories and look for a short cut (the easiest and fastest way to lose weight).
And if you have been caught up on this mentality, look at where it has taken you. You are probably feeling defeated, broken, frustrated, confused, and believing that there is something wrong with you.
So it’s time free yourself from this type of thinking, fire that old persona and adopt a new avatar.
The avatar of a healthy and fit person who is committed to feeling great inside and out. For that you will have to become a different person. And to become a different person you will have to think differently. Because if you think differently you will behave differently and if you behave differently then you will have different results.
