Deciding to get fit is a significant commitment. Congratulations on your determination to improve your life! But before you get started drafting a workout plan and signing up for fitness apps, it’s important to take a step back and reflect. The truth is, if you don’t have the right mindset in place before you begin, you’re destined for failure.
Did you know that “New Year’s Resolution Quit Day” — the day when most people give up on their new commitments — is January 17th? People don’t even make it for three weeks.
Here’s what you can do to avoid being one of those unhappy statistics — work on your mindset first!
Choose Your Self-Image
The first step is to see yourself as the kind of person that follows through and achieves their fitness goals. Tell yourself repeatedly, “I am the kind of person that can get fit.” Then, focus on how that kind of person behaves.
When you choose a healthy self-image, it will be easier to make healthy choices. You want to remove all negativity, such as “I can’t do this,” or “I’m a junk food addict.” Instead, focus on defining yourself as someone who lives a healthy lifestyle.
If you have a poor self-image, your underlying mindset will sabotage even your best efforts, and you’ll fall short of your goals.
Set Proper Expectations
One of the reasons so many people quit their New Year resolves that they are unrealistic. People plan to lose 50 pounds in six months, become well-versed in Shakespeare, and achieve a major promotion — all at once.
That’s not how life works! The truth is we focus far too much on trying to force short-term results and rob ourselves of the benefits that come from long-term consistency. When you focus on taking small steps for a long time, you’ll do far better than if you try to achieve huge leaps in just a few months.
Best of all, setting small goals helps overcome resistance. If you decide to climb Mt Everest tomorrow, that’s terrifying — you’re going to panic and run the other way. Instead, decide to take 10 more steps than you did yesterday. Very doable, and it slides under the radar of your “danger detection” system that tries to protect you from overexertion and failure.
Decide Who to Share Your Goals With
There’s something to be said for accountability, but you also want to avoid discouragement and negativity. Many people will laugh or make sarcastic comments about fitness goals — not because of you, but due to their mindset issues.
Some people will be jealous, and others will not want to be challenged by your success. Regardless, it’s best not to share your fitness goals with everyone.
Instead, find a single buddy who will support you and cheer you on. Perhaps this can be a workout partner, family member, or trusted friend.
Decide That Exercise is Fun
Having fun with exercise is both a mindset issue and a choice of activity. Do you currently tell yourself that working out is hard, overwhelming, a grind, or painful? If so, it’s time to change your mindset to see moving your body as fun and rewarding.
The other part of this mindset shift is to choose activities that you find truly enjoyable! If you hate running, don’t feel like you have to run to be fit. Instead, try weightlifting, dancing, walking, or swimming.
Any type of body movement will help you on your fitness journey. Don’t have a narrow mindset that only defines “working out” as a small number of activities. Find something fun that gets your heart pumping and go for it.
Your Mindset is Key to Your Fitness Success
Before you can succeed in your fitness journey, you have to have your mind in the right place. The tips above will help you get your mindset right so you’ll be positioned for success.
Work to reach your goals and become a Paragon of fitness!
Be patient and consistent, and the results will speak for themselves!