Back in 2012…
When I began training at RR in 2012 I wrote on my own programming for myself.
At the time I was young, naive and inexperienced and would really lean into doing the things I only wanted to do.
I avoided programming things that I didn’t want to do.
It wasn’t until I realized as months and years went by that all the areas I struggled at the time (jump rope, wall balls, running, assault bike, the list could go on) were not getting better over time, I realized something had to change.
They weren’t getting much easier. It was me that needed to change.
In my mind I vowed to train for life, this is my lifestyle.
I wasn’t going to stop training.
What needed changing was my mentality. I needed to upgrade my mindset and perspective around training.
Our mental approach to training plays a significant role in our overall success and progress.
From how we view our workouts, the intentions we set, the reflections afterwards and our approach to our specific challenges make all the difference in our fitness outcomes.
I want to share with you a powerful mindset shift that can elevate your fitness, and gym experience and set you up for continued success.
It’s the mindset shift of moving away from “I like that/I don’t like that” mentality
And continually moving towards and to
“Where can I make progress today?”
It’s embracing the things that come more challenging or difficult with a positive outlook (versus self defeating / really tough inner critic) and seeking to extract the smallest areas of improvement.
Facing the things that challenge us with a positive mindset.
Embracing a Growth Mindset:
Now this mentality is not just one for the gym, it is one I encourage you to take & continually expand upon in all areas of your life: a growth mindset.
Instead of approaching your workouts with a closed or fixed mindset focused on likes and dislikes, wants and don’t wants, shifting to a growth mindset that centers around openness, progress and improvement.
No matter the size.
Growth mindset views challenges as opportunities.
Focuses on the process, not the end result.
Not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone.
By shifting your perspective to “where can I make progress today?” you open yourself up to endless possibilities for growth and development.
Whether it’s improving your lagging upper body strength, enhancing your mental resilience, boosting your cardiovascular health, or mastering a new technique, there are always areas where you can push yourself to new heights.
And it’s the small drips over time that compound to large results. Nothing happens overnight.
“Jack of all Trades versus Master of One”
We all have preferences, biases and likes and dislikes. Especially when it comes to fitness.
If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to be a one trick and limited pony.
I don’t simply want to be strong with no gas tank.
I don’t want to be flexible with no strength.
I don’t want to be strong without my mobility and flexibility.
I don’t want to be striving for all the mass and size yet have poor health
I don’t want to have an endless cardio gas tank yet have no power or strength.
And I certainly don’t want an imbalance in my body.
So we train holistically.
We lean into all aspects of training to build the most well rounded, balanced, healthiest, strongest and fittest version of ourselves.
And that takes ALL aspects of training.
Humbling ourselves that some aspects will come more natural and be in our wheelhouse (fun fun) and some will come much harder (where is my progress today?)
And we adjust accordingly when we need to, based off limitations, loadings, volumes or just how we generally feel that day.
Always learning, always depositing.
“Want to” versus “Get to”
When we view every training session as an opportunity for progress, betterment and growth, we truly experience greater fulfillment and satisfaction with our workouts and experience.
Each small step forward, no matter how incremental, becomes a cause for celebration and motivation to keep pushing ourselves further.
When we recognize and appreciate the progress we make each day, we cultivate a sense of accomplishment that fuels our passion for fitness and keeps us motivated to continue striving for betterment.
It no longer becomes about “I want to do…” it is a gratitude mindset of “I get to do…” and that is going to make me healthier, better and I am better for that.
Goals can shift over time from specifics like I want to achieve 1 strict pullup or a 250lb back squat into I am focusing on training 8-12 times this month with a busier season of life or I want to be consistent, move well, challenge myself and have fun in the process.
Every session ending with a sense of accomplishment because we lean into the mindset that I have a healthy body that gets to do this.
Shifting Your View Shifts Your Experience
These simple shifts in mindset empowers us to unlock our potential improve our experience and get better at all things.
We tap into our inner strength and resilience.
Instead of limiting ourselves based on past preferences or perceived limitations, we challenge ourselves to explore new avenues for growth and self-improvement.
Which is the way.
Embrace Training as a Lifestyle:
Ultimately, viewing your training through the lens of progress and growth transforms your workouts into a lifestyle rather than a to-do chore.
Instead of dreading the gym when we see burpees, assault bike or running or feeling obligated to exercise, you approach each session with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.
Training becomes a more joyful and fulfilling part of your daily routine, rather than a burdensome task to check off your list.
By shifting your mindset from “I like that/I don’t like that” to “where can I make progress today?” you open yourself up to a world of possibilities for growth, improvement, and success in the gym.
This powerful mindset shift, challenges you to new heights, and transforms your fitness journey into a rewarding and enriching experience that enhances not only your physical health but also your mental well-being and overall quality of life.
