10 reasons to never give in.

[sclerotherapy]

Great well said nice motivation in this post thx....

[Bauger89]

Great post! Number 5 is my motivation everyday! I always look in the mirror and think "today the best or will tomorrow be better?!" also please check out my profile! I am brand new to the site and I am mid transformation! Was 350 lbs of flab February 2010 and am trying to turn myself into a lean mean muscual machine!!! Thank u

[shannon25]

Great post Mandy - number 5 did it for me because I work very hard and the results seem to only trickle in. I see other people achieve success in a relatively short time and I have to work years in order to see limited success, which always brings me down.

I have a lot of stumbling blocks to hurdle (age/gender, thyroid disease), but I've never given up. Number 5 reminds me to "stay in my own yard" and compare my results to ME, no one else. My path is different than someone else's and I have to remember that it's during the valley points in my journey that shows my true character.

I have to remember to acknowledge myself as a winner regardless if I've met my weightloss goals yet or not. I exercise daily and refrain from red meat, fast food and processed food. As long as I'm doing my best and working hard, I need to be proud that I'm doing something about my health....and I also need to remember to HAVE FUN!!

[josh.wexler]

This is a really great thread, you have 10 great reasons. the hardest part of fitness for me has always been finding that motivation to push myself through. Bodybuilding.com is so amazing because it has all these different ways to get motivated and to learn about fitness and nutrition. This is my first thread reply and I already know I am going to be hooked!

[pkahnman]

This is a really great thread, you have 10 great reasons. the hardest part of fitness for me has always been finding that motivation to push myself through. Bodybuilding.com is so amazing because it has all these different ways to get motivated and to learn about fitness and nutrition. This is my first thread reply and I already know I am going to be hooked!

^^This

[usertrack]

After a week of not working out and drinking way too much alcohol (moved to new residence), I have a fresh resolve to get back in the gym and sort myself out after reading this. Nothing wrong with having fun but I've got to put in the hard work too. Hopefully I will catch up again and progress.

[mnorton1228]

Awesome thread, repped.

[bigjoe5574]

Happy Holidays: this one for the fitness people and anyone who has asked me for fitness advice :-)
Thanks, Vince
Quoted:
What Separates us from them

"So, what are you doing for a living these days?" Bob asked me. We're sitting on the couch at one of those tedious holiday get-togethers, you know, the ones where you're supposed to be nice to family members you never see except during major holidays and funerals. I think Bob is my wife's brother-in-law's second cousin or something.

"I'm the assistant editor and a writer for a fitness magazine," I say. Bob looks at me with a blank expression on his face, as if I'd just told him I sell handmade testicle warmers beside the freeway and was looking to open franchises across the nation.

Blank expression.

"Oh," Bob finally says, "I heard you were, like, one of those bodybuilder guys or something. So, what's that like, you know, working out every day and stuff? I just don't have time to lift weights all day, but I have been meaning to get rid of this beer belly." He takes another sip of beer. "What do you suggest?" Sip.

At first I was a little offended. I wanted to grab him up and say, "You can't tell I'm a bodybuilder?! Look at my ass! Now, if that's not a nice round squat-built piece of sirloin, I don't know what is! You think that comes naturally? I can crack walnuts with this puppy! Wanna see?

Then I realize this just might cause a scene and could cost me several Christmas presents. I was planning on returning any presents I got and using the money to buy a power rack, so I didn't want to jeopardize this gift getting opportunity. I also realized that old Bob probably had a certain preconceived image of a bodybuilder and I just didn't fit that image. Also, I wasn't wearing clown pants, a fluorescent string tank top, a hanky on my head and one of those little fanny packs. And isn't that what real bodybuilders are supposed to wear?

Bob continued to sit there drinking his Natural Light, smoking a cigarette and waiting for an answer, oblivious to the fact that he'd come this close to seeing some serious walnut- crunching ass power. I tried to figure out how I could explain to the average guy what the typical bodybuilder does and why he does it. How could I get him to understand what it is we do, how we feel, how we live? So I took a deep breath and told him something like this:

"Well, Bob, I guess you could use the term bodybuilder if you really need a label for what it is we do. Most of us actually don't stand on stage and compete, though. We lift weights and manipulate our diets so that we'll look good naked. Sure, it's healthy too, and we'll probably live a longer and more productive life than the average guy, but mostly it's about the naked thing." Truthfully, it goes far beyond that.

"Let's be honest here. We do it because of people like you, Bob. We look at you sitting there with your gut hanging over your belt and we watch you grunt and groan just getting out of a chair. Guys like you are our inspiration, Bob. You're better than Anthony Robbins, Bill Phillips, Deepak Chopra, and Zig ****ing Ziglar all wrapped up into one. We love it when guys like you talk about not having time to exercise. Every time we see you munching on a bag of potato chips, you inspire us. You're my shot in the arm, Bob, my living and breathing wake-up call, my own personal success coach.

"You want to know what it is we do? We overcome. We're too busy to train, too, but we overcome. We're too busy to prepare healthy meals and eat them five or six times a day, but we overcome. We can't always afford supplements, our genetics aren't perfect, and we don't always feel like going to the gym. Some of us used to be just like you, Bob, but guess what? We've overcome.

"We like to watch 'normal' people like you tell us about how they can't get in shape. We smile and nod sympathetically like we feel your pain, but actually, we're thinking that you're a pathetic piece of **** that needs to grow a spine and join a gym. You smile sheepishly and say that you just can't stay motivated and just can't stand that feeling of being sore. (For some reason you think that admitting your weaknesses somehow justifies them.) We listen to you ***** and moan. We watch you look for the easy way out. Because of people like you, Bob, we never miss a workout.

"You ask us for advice about diet and training and usually we politely offer some guidance, but deep inside we know you won't take our advice. You know that too. We smile and say, 'Hope that helps. Good luck,' but actually we're thinking, 'Boy, it would suck to be you.' We know that 99% of people won't listen to us. Once they hear that it takes hard work, sacrifice and discipline, they stop listening and tune us out.

"We know they wanted us to say that building a great body is easy, but it just isn't. This did not take five minutes a day on a TorsoTrack. We did not get this way in 12 short weeks using a Bowflex and the Suzanne Somers' 'Get Skinny' diet. A good body does not cost five easy payments of $39.95.

"We like it that while you're eating a candy bar and drinking Mountain Dew, we're sucking down a protein shake. You see, that makes it taste even better to us. While you're asleep we're either getting up early or staying up late, hitting the iron, pushing ourselves, learning, succeeding and failing and rising above the norm with every rep. Can you feel that, Bob? Can you relate? No? Good. This wouldn't be half as fun if you could.

"We do it because we absolutely and totally get off on it. We do it because people like you, Bob, either can't or won't. We do it because what we do in the gym transfers over into the rest of our lives and changes us, physically, mentally, maybe even spiritually. We do it because it beats watching fishing and golf on TV. By the way, do you know what it's like to turn the head of a beautiful woman because of the way you're built? It feels good, Bob. Damned good.

"When we're in the gym, we're in this indescribable euphoria zone. It's a feeling of being on, of being completely alive and aware. If you haven't been there, then it's like trying to describe color to a person who's been blind since birth. Within this haze of pleasure and pain, there's knowledge and power, self-discipline and self-reliance. If you do it long enough, Bob, there's even enlightenment. Sometimes, the answers to questions you didn't even know you had are sitting there on those rubber mats, wrapped up in a neat package of iron plates and bars.

"Want to lose that beer belly, Bob? I have a nutty idea. Put down the ****ing beer. I'll tell you what, Bob. Christmas morning I'm getting up real early and hitting the iron. I want to watch my daughter open her presents and spend the whole day with her, so this is the only time I have to train. The gym will be closed, so I'm going out in my garage to workout. You be at my house at six in the morning, okay? I'll be glad to help you get started on a weight training program. It'll be colder than Hillary Clinton's ****** in there, so dress warm.

"But let me tell you something, Bob. If you don't show up, don't bother asking me again. And don't you ever sit there and let me hear you ***** about your beer belly again. This is your chance, your big opportunity to break out of that rut. If you don't show up, Bob, you've learned a very important lesson about yourself, haven't you? You won't like that lesson.

"You won't like that feeling in the pit of your stomach either or that taste in your mouth. It will taste worse than defeat, Bob. Defeat tastes pretty goddamned nasty, but what you'll be experiencing will be much worse. It will be the knowledge that you're weak, mentally and physically. What's worse is that you'll have accepted that feeling. The feeling will always be with you. In the happiest moments of your life, it'll be there, lying under the surface like a malignant tumor. Ignore it at your own peril, Bob.

"Don't look at me like that either. This just may be the best Christmas present you'll get this year. Next Christmas, Bob, when I see you again, I'm going to be a little bigger, a little stronger, and a little leaner. What will you be? Will you still be making excuses? This is a gift, Bob, from me to you. I'm giving you the chance to look fate in those pretty eyes of hers and say, 'Step off, *****. This is my party and you're not invited.' What do you say, Bob? Monday, Christmas morning, 6am, my house. The ball's in your court."

Okay, so maybe that's not the exact words I used with Bob, but you get the picture. Will Bob show up Monday? I don't know, but I kind of doubt it. In fact, Bob will probably take me off his Christmas card list. He probably thinks I've got "too much Testosterone." I think Bob is just stuck in a rut, and as the saying goes, the only difference between a rut and a grave is depth.

The way out of the rut is to make major changes in your life, most of which won't be too pleasant in the beginning. The opportunity to make those changes seldom comes as bluntly as I put it to Bob. Most of the time, that opportunity knocks very softly. What I did was basically give Bob a verbal slap in the face. You can react two ways to a slap. You can get angry at the person doing the slapping, or you can realize that he was just trying to get you to wake up and focus on what you really want and, more importantly, what it'll take to get it.

I doubt you need to be called out like Bob. But maybe you've caught yourself slacking a little here lately. Maybe you've missed a few workouts or maybe you started a little too early on the usual holiday feasting, like, say, back in September. Just remember that the time to start working on that summer body is now. The time to get rid of those bad habits that hold you back in the gym is now. You want to look totally different by next Christmas? Start now. This isn't because of the holidays or any corny New Year's resolutions either. The best time is always now.

Christmas day I want you to enjoy being with your family and friends. I want you to open presents, sip a little eggnog and have a good meal. But if your regularly scheduled workout happens to fall on December 25th, what will you be doing at six o'clock that morning?

That's what separates us from guys like Bob.

Great post man. Reps on recharge

[loueyville]

thanks great post :)

[bentleyd2]

rep.

[bad3p]

Great post marcusweller...Thanks...

[Enoi]

Great read!

[Hambone308]

Great stuff,might just have to print this out. Ill never quit

[kpizzl]

I was looking for an introduction thread but have been browsing here for a bit tonight and need some serious motivation to get me started. I am only 29 and my body feels like its 50. I am always working and rarely have time to get in shape. Im not fat by any means but lack motivation due to other responsibilities at the time


I did exercise consistently for about a year previously and I got hurt and thats where my routine ended. I really would like to get back into it but find it hard with the workload of daily life I take on already. Hopefully , threads like this will help change my attitude

[leshyaa]

I loved this!!!

[senkcity]

This is great stuff, for me is give yourself a year of hard work then see if u made a difference instead of after a few weeks

[SlavPride]

Number 3 did it for me. Our influence on our state of mind can alter life soo much. Act as if it impossible to fail, and greatness is right before you

[waveymofo]

Great thread man, thanks for keeping us motivated :)

[Seraphiclol]

Amazing!

[SkinnyAlbo123]

Good read.

[Will2Live]

nice work.

[michellerb]

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

This is the challenge for me!!! It's not that people don't support me, it's that they are on a different wave length. I am learning to participate in social events without consuming much (and not having it be noticed.)

Smaller portions with the incredible meals from my "foodie"-friends; sipping on 1 drink, then switching to water, when out with the girls; picking out the fruits and vegies at the usual parties and BBQ's.... and stearing clear of all the sugar! As long as I keep talking and moving, they don't notice and I don't have to defend my choices.

(Note: This is still a work in progress. Today, even though I ate before leaving the house, I couldn't pass up the homemade treats layed out so beautifully at a bridal shower.)

[tave]

Points 1, 5, 6, and 10 are very well taken. Great piece!

[rkcraigslist519]

does anyone think that i would benefit from doing some freehand exercises outside in the hot weather (with proper hydration)? i know its great to sweat but would working outside with the fresh air and sunlight benefit at all? thanks everyone!

[michellerb]

does anyone think that i would benefit from doing some freehand exercises outside in the hot weather (with proper hydration)? i know its great to sweat but would working outside with the fresh air and sunlight benefit at all? thanks everyone!

To get responses for this inquiry, it's better to post it on the 'Excercises' thread.

[rkcraigslist519]

To get responses for this inquiry, it's better to post it on the 'Excercises' thread.

i posted it there to, tryin to get opinions from everywhere lol

[CDub73]

Number 9 does me the most damage when it comes to family life. I can tell my friends no to drinking and all that. But family gatherings where all the sweet old aunts want you to try their casseroles and junk...it's kind of hard to not feel guilty telling them no lol. I guess you gotta make sacrifices for the fam though

[flirtE723]

Love this! Thanks for the great post :)

[Mackenley10]

Good post, your right.
If people look in the mirror every night when they go to bed and can say that they've given there all that day, in everything. Then eventually they will get what their aiming for!

[gangsteris112]

this is big motivation to me , thank you man

[crossfiire]

thank you! i love it :)

[Sanook]

Nice thread! Will read this when I need the motivation.

[SavannahRN]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up

Great Post! Thank you!

[bob500]

awesome tips

[AlexCVideo]

The only way this could be better if it was read in the voice of Liam Neeson or Morgan Freeman.

[hiekers]

thanks for the tips, really helpful

[FitFatTony]

Thanks
Ive found great motivation from these points

[MusclePharmer]

The only way this could be better if it was read in the voice of Liam Neeson or Morgan Freeman.

LOL. True that.

[121fitness]

Great post

[anselmoreal]

Very inspirational thanks!

[Indefatigable]

This is the challenge for me!!! It's not that people don't support me, it's that they are on a different wave length. I am learning to participate in social events without consuming much (and not having it be noticed.)

Smaller portions with the incredible meals from my "foodie"-friends; sipping on 1 drink, then switching to water, when out with the girls; picking out the fruits and vegies at the usual parties and BBQ's.... and steering clear of all the sugar! As long as I keep talking and moving, they don't notice and I don't have to defend my choices.

(Note: This is still a work in progress. Today, even though I ate before leaving the house, I couldn't pass up the homemade treats layed out so beautifully at a bridal shower.)

imo eating an extra k or 2 of cals on rare special occasions isn't such a biggie. Close friends/family birthdays once in a while etc, I can't see it being a problem, I mean really it'll set you back what? about 4 days if you running a 500 cal deficit type diet, not the end of the world really.

Trick is to make it not to often, preferable not more than a couple times a month, so yeah making excuses to have small portions can helps :) You can always appreciate someones cooking and have a small portion! Or if you really have to consume a lot cals say with frequent party events, I suppose it's just about being realistic and for a few weeks putting in that extra couple hours a week of exercise to help burn it off, or whatever other ways you can trim back your diet to compensate, whilst staying healthy.

[borntotrain]

interesting.

[bleespoorpa]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up

Wow! That really sounds motivating! Just love it...Thanks for such a good post!

[Christopher2011]

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents."
- Andrew Carnegie


Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours
Great words about motivation. Most of us try to compare ourselves with the others. And one day they give up.

[ted123]

Really really helpful thread, i've read through the 10 points a few times and what you say is spot on! Thanks!

[kanis999]

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

Awesome, that's the biggest problem I see around these forums. People are looking to one another to verify that they look good. Chances are, SOMEBODY out there is going to think they look weak or fat and disapprove. Don't ask them what they think, ask yourself!

My arms are 15". Some people think those are puny. I think they're f***ing awesome
because I worked hard to get them there from a much smaller state. If you can have this mentality and not let anyone break your ego with THEIR opinions (as long as you're trying hard and making gains), then you are a champion at heart.

Two quotes that apply:

"Do your best, forget the rest"
- Tony Horton, creator of P90X

To be spoken in a relaxed, un-phased tone in the face of criticism: "That's just, like, your opinion, man."
- The Dude, from the Big Lebowski

[FullTiltRK]

Great post man. (y)

[wibblejibber]

every reason is a good one, definately got me motivated!

[syed2011]

in point 4th. you wrote.
----------------
There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.


Why it take months to achieve they are ideal body whilst? any specific reason. pls reply to skinny guys point of view.

[sweeperAXSIS]

i'm sure I will read this again and again.

[xax30]

Very nice read. Thank you. Been struggling for years with food and things. This is it now though. This is were it begins and I have your words saved. As with most #9 really hits home. Thank you.

[mrjoefowler]

wow!!
this is great!
I love it

[Motaba]

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.



Unfortunately that person is my wife. :-(

[workinithard]

this is awesome made me rethink somethings

[CaitlinCaitlyn]

Very inspiring thread..!! I produced hard copy of this

[ActorGuy]

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.


I loved the fact you outlined this!!!

I got drunk on the weekends, went out for dinner and put on a stack of weight. I couldnt help myself i just wanted to fit in (never really have been the people call a friend) which is why i tryed so hard to be accepted.
but in the process disrespecting my own beliefs.
It was really starting to let me down, going into deep depressive states and mood swings. It was at the time i contemplated self harm i devised the "plan of success".

I wrote down the things dearest and the people closest to me.

I had only "1" friend out of the number of people i tryed to impress i could think of.
I love going to the movies and seeing the new movie.
I love "Coca Cola"
I love acting
I love working out
Family

My treat to myself is go to the movies once a week and buy the biggest Cola there!
I go with that 1 friend i thought of!
I do my live theatre and acting!
I work-out with my dad


And you know what, LIFE HAS NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!!

[RTW2]

I loved the fact you outlined this!!!

I got drunk on the weekends, went out for dinner and put on a stack of weight. I couldnt help myself i just wanted to fit in (never really have been the people call a friend) which is why i tryed so hard to be accepted.
but in the process disrespecting my own beliefs.
It was really starting to let me down, going into deep depressive states and mood swings. It was at the time i contemplated self harm i devised the "plan of success".

I wrote down the things dearest and the people closest to me.

I had only "1" friend out of the number of people i tryed to impress i could think of.
I love going to the movies and seeing the new movie.
I love "Coca Cola"
I love acting
I love working out
Family

My treat to myself is go to the movies once a week and buy the biggest Cola there!
I go with that 1 friend i thought of!
I do my live theatre and acting!
I work-out with my dad


And you know what, LIFE HAS NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!!


Reps... :D

[lauraa517]

Awesome post, I have the most trouble with #9 since most of my friends/family will say I'm too skinny and don't have anything to worry about and can eat whatever I want etc,.
How do they think I got so small? :p

[JoyAngeline]

Unfortunately that person is my wife. :-(




I can so totaly relate to that. My case it is the bf. Then it gets harder when you have to end up cooking seperate meals because the family won't eat what you cook.

[WhitneyDaniel]

This is a post I recently did on my blog about motivation. :) I like to be happy and positive as my perpetual state of being. I feel like we have all been given this one mind and one body, so we should take care of it and push ourselves to our full potential everyday, not allowing our body to go to waste. Hope you all enjoy the blog post :)

My blog is called "The Best Drugs: Health and Happiness"

whitneydaniel.blogspot.com

What Motivates You???

Motivation. It's just one word, but it carries a lot of weight to it and is fascinating to me because the word motivation means something completely different to every person. I feel like every single person has something that motivates them, whether they admit it or not. There is motivation behind every action we take. Some people had amazing motivation at a point in their life and maybe now that motivation has gotten buried beneath other things, but it's never to late to find that motivation, put it on the front of your mind, and let it lead you through the day. Our motivations may change and evolve over time, but they are always there. I know a lot about motivation, losing it, rebuilding it, questioning it, and being confused by it. When I was about nine years old, I decided that no matter how long it took, I was going to be in the Olympics for Taekwondo one day. I carried that motivation with me everyday. Sometimes it got muddled and faded a little into the background, but it was always there. When I kept training through vomit, tears, and snot bubbles that motivation was there. When I would wake up at 4am during high school to go kick by myself before school started, that motivation was there. When I made national team and won silver at Junior World Championships in Turkey and bronze at the Pan Am Games in Puerto Rico, that motivation was definitely there. Even this past December when I got a concussion in a car accident, less than a month away from the most important step in getting to the 2012 Olympics... my motivation never faded. Although the 2012 Olympics is no longer in my future, it doesn't make me any less motivated to strive to be the absolute best at everything I aim to accomplish.
There are many things that motivate me every morning when I wake up. My amazing mom, who has always been my number one fan and supporter in all my endeavors, motivates me more than she knows. My dad, who has the will power and attitude for life that could throw even Ghandi for a loop, is so motivating to me, and still even 2 years in the running with stage 4 prostate cancer, looks like the picture of perfect health. He is a perfect example of what kind of attitude to have when life doesn't exactly go the way you planned, and reminds me all the time how important it is to just live for each moment. My brother inspires me everyday even though he may not know it, and so does my boyfriend, Gabe. He pushes me to be my best and challenges me in ways that no one else does. A lot of my motivation everyday comes from the people that are most important in my life, but also from within myself. I have a strong desire to make a difference to someone, to even just one person, and to do things that no one else has done before. From a young age I have never been one to settle for mediocrity or follow the crowd... I mean, when I was six I decided I wanted to start kicking girls in the face instead of doing ballet (although, I still made sure my mom put bright bows in my pig tails) haha. I stay humble, work hard, and throw everything I've got at whatever goal I'm striving to achieve. After all, no one can achieve something if they hold back and don't even try. I'm not afraid of failure because I know that with every failure, I will gain an opportunity to learn something and get closer to success the next time. I would rather try and fail a bunch of times, then just sit back in my comfort zone and never fail at anything because I'm too afraid to put myself on the line. I have a lot of goals that I am very passionate about, and I plan on making all of them a reality one day. 100%. No doubt about it. :)

[kkfoster01]

This just perked me up for sure!!

[jgkejo]

Great read, thanks for posting this!

[HFHustler]

thanks for this !!!

[AgentSkyhawk]

it feels good reading over these again:)

[vintageguy91]

#9 Resonates hard with college students.

But no excuses.

[NIKE09440]

Very nice read. Thank you. Been struggling for years with food and things. This is it now though. This is were it begins and I have your words saved. As with most #9 really hits home. Thank you.

yeah

[bbbee]

wow, this seriously was exactly what i needed to read today. thank you so much for posting this. i feel refreshed and renewed with a positive attitude to tackle my weight loss.

the hardest part of it for me, personally, is patience. i have to keep reminding myself that this battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and to be patient enough with my own body to allow it to make the changes it needs to make before feeling defeated for not seeing the results i want immediately.

[darkhack]

I don't see giving in as a possibility.

I actually believe and think giving in is impossible.

How can you want something and not go after it head on without looking back.

[FitGirlPosse]

Thank you so much for sharing. I've been on this journey (seriously) for a little over a year and lately have felt a little discouraged b/c inside I feel like She-Ra but on the outside I still have a long ways to go. Times past this would have been the point where I throw in the towel and go for some Ben & Jerry's but I know that I've changed. . .I can't give in.

[FitGirlPosse]

Because sometimes the frustration can get to you. Because sometimes people see the bend in the road and think it's the end of the road. There are a lot of people who start and quit. In order to keep moving forward we all need to re-up our motivation at some point.


I don't see giving in as a possibility.

I actually believe and think giving in is impossible.

How can you want something and not go after it head on without looking back.

[blackkingcarter1984]

Thank you so much! This was awesome!

[rightfight]

Nice pithy post and morale boost. I will have to take some of those aphorisms to heart.

[healthy81]

Thanks a lot. This was so meant for me to read right now. Thank you!! :)

[cappyj]

I'm with you on that one, it's tough and usually if i do i have a taste, it makes for a binge. WE have to stay strong!



Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!

[BB1992Tom]

Wise words, thanks for sharing. You've given me a wake up call and more drive to reach new heights :)

[Mikelawton]

I'm not quitting this time. So true, I'm not allowing myself to fail.

[jalton]

Awesome post. I was feeling a little under the weather today and I was going to skip the gym. I am now motivated. Thanks!

[npasic]

Wow this post made my day :). Thanks guys

[amitchell2010]

Great post ~

I am new to this bodybuilding.com and I am looking to change my life and become a healthier person (the person I feel I should be). Thank you for those 10 reasons; I printed them out and posted them on my mirror so that I see it every time I look at myself. Thank you again for the motivation!

Sincerely,

Adam

[WhiteBo]

Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!

I agree with this one hands down. You are more than right, and I can't just resist, especially during family gatherings or birthdays or better still marriages. But the good thing is these don't happen all they time.

So at least, when I give in I know it's a one time thing in about four to five months. So I guess I will be just fine. At times, from time to time one really needs to still taste some of the sweeties and the fatty stuff to remind us of the effort we are putting in our workout, training, and diet.

But we ought to be, we should and must be strong always.

[rasit]

"there's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what?"

I guess this is the main reason most people quit..


nice post by the way, thanks

[JamesTrexy22]

Nice!

[JamesTrexy22]

Hehehehe

[fuubrah]

great post.

[dollykaryn]

Great idea!!
for a better me, I never quit!!

[DarkEdition]

Good :)

[maxman1180]

why?

[crossfiire]

very nice!!

[MIRINLEWL]

cool

[davidt123]

great post

[Zrzehner]

Thanks for this. It really has helped put me back on track!

[krystaliciouz]

Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!

You should checkout naturalgraham4's page. One of his blogs made me feel so much differently about my food choices. Bad foods are such short satisfaction. You eat the bad stuff then it's gone. That quick, and the weight is on just as quickly! Think of your food choices to be either productive to your goals or counter-productive. I thought about the way he put that and it totally clicked for me! Why work so hard in the gym when diet is so important to your physical results if you are just going to eat your hard work away pretty much!?!

[KayyGee]

This thread is a great motivater cheers!

[schmity0525]

This was the first forum I literally clicked on for some sort of motivation...and I have to say reading this made me feel like I'm not alone. I admit there are times when I just lose all hope because I ate something I shouldn't have or didn't do a workout session. Especially today, having seen #9, made me think that this happens to others...but even with positive thinking, is it wrong to do more sessions in that one day to try and be sane? To feel like you worked it off? This morning I did HIIT on the bike with my ab workout, and I'm definitely planning on doing 30 more minutes on the bike, but another 30 minutes on the treadmill...

[Odyzz]

Wow that was one of the most inspiring things i've read since the start of my journey. Thanks, will read this every now and then!

[DragonFire7]

Awesome Post!! Thanks!!

[radred21]

#9 can be an issue for me as well, but not so much that it hurts my motivation, and moreso that it gets annoying. Right now I don't live near my close circle of friends, so our gatherings are not as frequent as they used to be, but I do get the constant offerings of bad food from my uncle. Sometimes he may be kidding, but even when he is, he doesn't know when to stop. He'll offer me a hot dog on a bun covered in chili and cheese. I say no. Two minutes later he offers again. I say no. This cycle will repeat until either he or someone else eventually eats the last hot dog. He'll even try to make it sound healthy by not putting it on a bun or something, or he'll say "come on you'll hurt my feelings". Again, he's a constant kidder, so he may not mean his feelings get hurt, but saying no over and over and him continuing to ask as if he's not listening is really grinding my nerves. The ironic thing is he's the one that got me started working out. Go figure.

[hardenheavy]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up

Now, I've read so many of these motivational articles, so many of these "Stay in the game" texts, but none had the simplicity and impact as this one. Instead of being philosophical, you went straightforward and normal. It's not a poetry contest. It simple, it's the truth and I love it.

Btw, thumbs up for No.9...

[magnum03]

Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!



^^only one who's going to push you to keep working out is your self, and a work out buddy is great but, that concentration is broken with a conversation then that leads to standing around and thats not what i try to achieve at the gym.

[GuinnessG33K]

This is so inspirational, it makes me want to go to the gym right now and achieve a new max, it'll have to wait till later :) Great post! +repped

[AndrewPReiss]

Amazing post, love it.

[d3s]

Thumbs up, great post! #9 is true..

[leslie007]

Thats some really awesome stuff. Thank you

[bodynbeauty]

Well put brother, keep posting

[jehowell]

Two thumbs. Up love this. Thanks for the motivation.!

[fitnessdame]

Ok back to #9. lol

This happens to me a lot, and it totally deflates my moral. I just got back from visiting my mom. (She's Italian--ie. always making me eat...and the CARBS!)

What do you do in this situation? Try to avoid temptation and stay on track? Or do an extra cardio workout to try and burn the extra calories?

[UCFBuilder]

Ok back to #9. lol

This happens to me a lot, and it totally deflates my moral. I just got back from visiting my mom. (She's Italian--ie. always making me eat...and the CARBS!)

What do you do in this situation? Try to avoid temptation and stay on track? Or do an extra cardio workout to try and burn the extra calories?

honestly bro...#9 shouldnt even be a problem if you want it bad enough..yeah temptation will be there but you just gotta ask yourself what you want more...the instant gratification of eating food and then feeling bad after..or holding off for 10 mins and feeling like a champ after...if you are around friends that are pressuring you to give in and eat..then you either havent told them how bad you want a good physique..or they arent friends bro...all my friends know what i do and dont really care if i dont eat with them..just being with them and being good company should be more than enough...

Now occasionally i will go out and eat with them...but since i track my calories and what i eat year round..i either skip a meal and look up the cals of what i want to eat at the restaurant to compensate...or if ive already eaten my cals for the day and still want to eat something else...ill either do a little more cardio to compensate(which is what i normaly do) or take it as a cheat meal and just move on

[Showman619]

Great post, you have just made my day! Getting the gym bag ready now :-)

[CWPierce]

# 9 is definately the one that hits home for me and a lot of other people. It's especially hard for me, being surrounded by college and living in the dorms. There are always obstacles and people who are try to get me to drink or party with them, but I've resisted all the temptations so far.

[zycho27]

gotta agree with a lot of the people here, #9 is the jackpot for me!


I'm in the stage where it's college and there always parties and drinking and such... then when you deny your friends and tell them how your lifestyle has changed, they sometimes dont get it and think youre lame or w.e. I've grown so much to say NO to all that. I realized that all the squats, leg presses, dips, etc. will all be wasted if I go out and party. I've learned a lot this year and saying NO is one of them

[RandyMcdonald]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up

I printed this out and putting on my wall.

[DoubleOvertime]

I printed this out and putting on my wall.

What he said.

[Workin_on_it]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up

I so love this and had to share it in a note on my FB wall because several people I know are struggling with it right now. Thank you!!

[rocksmith]

I can so totaly relate to that. My case it is the bf. Then it gets harder when you have to end up cooking seperate meals because the family won't eat what you cook.

lol, try, cooking differnt meals, eating at different times, being hungry when shes not, (my patience seems to drop as my hunger increases, my problem i know..)feeling shattered "for no reason", (I love it when she says, "but you like it, you shouldnt be tired") appearing to be unsociable cos you wont drink a beer with everyone else. That said, bring on monday for chest day lol

[wuwe]

good post. Never ever give up!

[LYL87]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up


Hey Manditude im new to the site and im glad this was the first thread i read, it was great ...great words of wisdom

[ironboyz]

nice thread, this is very helpful to people with problems.
very well delivered from Manditude
If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up

[acubed123]

Thank you for this!

[HitMaN916]

Great post. With thanksgiving coming up a lot f these will help me to stay on the right track

[IulianLaur]

Awesome post mate, every time I start my workout, I am reading those again and again.

[FastDebrid]

Thanks for the motivating post. :)

[boutTreefiddy]

number #5 really gets me. Sometimes i cant help but compare myself to other people i know or other people in the gym and sometimes it hurts my motivation. I have to keep reminding myself to only worry about what im doing and the progress that im making.

[Manditude]

number #5 really gets me. Sometimes i cant help but compare myself to other people i know or other people in the gym and sometimes it hurts my motivation. I have to keep reminding myself to only worry about what im doing and the progress that im making.

Don't feel hurt by the progress of others, the man you're watching in the gym whose twice your size could of been training for years. Or a few months. The point is he's in there doing exactly the same as you, and you don't realize given time people will be in there looking at YOU for inspiration, because lettuce be reality, that's what you're doing. See, something that's positive shouldn't have a negative affect. You're only looking at him because you want to look like him, and if you keep training hard you will! Maybe ask him for some pointers? He might suprise you with his story of struggling to get where he is at.

We're all in the same boat and sometimes it's easily forgotten.

[EnergyBeast4]

Number 3 is my favorite but they are all good

[CombatVeteran]

HOOAH number 3!

[kelseyfl]

I really like #10: you should be proud of yourself, whether it's the first time at the gym or after winning numerous competitions. When I feel like I don't want to workout, I ask myself: Will I be happy with (or proud of) myself after I choose this option or is that taking me away from my goals? I ultimately pick the option of working out rather than sitting on the couch and I feel more accomplished even if it wasn't the hardest workout. I think the small decisions in life can lead up to the biggest changes.

[jared767]

I think a lot of people can relate to #9, being that I'm young the majority of my friends drink and eat out too so when I'm dieting it becomes hard to resist but it's easy if you've got the will power which I think most people do.

Right. But for me, number 6 will make all the difference as it prepares your mind for any possibilities.

[bp06km]

awesome post!

[rednaxula]

good post. Never ever give up!
True.

[Tekkers09]

Thanks for the post, this makes a lot of sense. I have been in the gym on and off for the past 4-5 years and have never really got into it properly. It has always been due to a lack of motivation when I found the results hard to come by. Come January, I am planning to hit it hard and get into shape and transform my life. Messages like this will definitely help me realise I am not alone in this journey.

[Manditude]

This thread is proof we can all make it, and better yet, we can all relate. If one person can do it, any person can. Keep up the training!

[gorawbaby]

Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!

I hear ya man, I'm not so tempted by the food, but its the alcohol. I want to go out with friends and be sociable, but I get treated like a party pooper when I don't drink.... and it's also hard to get "loose and be fun" when your the only sober one.... but I will conquer this... I will do it.... I keep telling myself when the pain to remain the same becomes less then the pain to change.... ! its not the working out thats hard...its the balance of everyday life!

[nakres1984]

Amazing thread

[perroloco]

Really liked this post, very, very good, I specially liked the one where it says not to compare to others.

[Hborno]

ever lasting post .. this is one epic post

[war1575]

Amazing post, highly motivational. I believe #9 should be #1.

Friends and family can be detractors. They don't have the same goals as you, but they don't have your body. It's very hard, but you have to tell them to get on your side. My best friend always wanted to go out drinking. He was always prodding me to have a few more drinks, get lit and have fun. It was a tough conversation, but I had to tell him to stop being an instigator.

The point is, sometimes even though your friends do support you, they might not realize that what they do and say are counter-productive.

Keep your head right, get on a schedule and do it for you. It only takes 21 day of any activity to make a habit. Get in the habit of treating yourself right.

[cactusflower]

my 2 cents:


http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/373900_10150435857769451_191327194450_8064569_1596 043344_n.jpg

[SheHadMANHands]

I'm not sure if I like that ^^

[bmf00]

AMAZING post repped! thank you so much for writing this!! It means a lot :)

[DomMotivation]

thank you so much for this
good post

[DarrenConroy]

Excellent post! I think I like #5 the best even though there is truth behind every statement in that passage. Great work!

[aaronjlee4]

Good list, especially the beginning of number 9, There will be people who don't support you. everyone tells me I won't get any bigger but to just turn it around into motivation makes my workouts so much harder

[harris27]

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.



This really hits close to home for me.

I admit , i started lifting to impress this girl. But now that she's engaged and i'm down with a bad rotator cuff injury, i wonder if i even want to continue lifting in a months time.

[musclemanmanuel]

This is a great motivational post. Makes you really think and know that this is not going to be easy....I appreciate this!

[Warship]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMo9_bWkYVQ/Tjrd0oPOxaI/AAAAAAAAAN8/VeTLT5V6Aa4/s1600/idol-man_78003276.jpg

Keep working hard, boys.

[BigArabGuy]

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

So hard

[Warship]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMo9_bWkYVQ/Tjrd0oPOxaI/AAAAAAAAAN8/VeTLT5V6Aa4/s1600/idol-man_78003276.jpg

[LoOe]

Great post im pumped now !!!

[jolanar]

Numbers 5 and 9 are both the hardest for me.

It's hard to come to websites like this sometimes, and see these ripped people. Or to see a before an after photo which gives the appearance of "Instant" gains. It's easy to forget that they've been doing it for years and have put in mega effort. Patience is by far the hardest part to bodybuilding for me.

9 is hard at work. You would not believe the effort some people will go through to get you to eat some disgusting store bought cake on someones birthday. I know it all goes back to making themselves feel better for having no willpower by bringing others down. But it gets really old really quick.

[Hero4410]

If you give in, you probably did something wrong. So while sitting around and eating that bag of chips, do some research, see how u can improve ur routine/diet, get excited, start again

[jpoole78]

Great post like most here I agree number 9 resonates with me but knowing I have a huge support system trumps it!

[azxangeles]

Awesome post going strong

[danstewart15]

Woohoo!! Motivations Awsome! Never gonna give up

[RinOkumura]

at first i was like... I cant do this, its too hard..

but after i saw this..

BRING IT ON!! :) never give up!

[feegs]

Great post, and I just wanted to say thanks. I'm incredibly lazy, but after reading this post, I got incredibly motivated and did one of my best days at the gym ever. The next day I hate the healthiest I have ever eaten in my life, and I felt incredible. I've had some speed bumps along the way (losing twenty pounds in ten days over the summer and gaining forty pounds in five months), but this post kicked my ass into gear. I've lost two pounds this week, and while it's not the immediate satisfaction I so desire, I feel proud of myself. Thank you.

[KennyKenassi]

Great read! I will think of this if I start to lose motivation. Thanks!

[joeysunshine]

Appreciate your post! This is great stuff to read... very motivational. THANKS!!! keep it coming :)

[JPhysique]

nice!

[garabins]

Good stuff

[BenoitSmithiii]

great post!

[BigGoliath]

This is a great read. Thanks for posting it.

[rhino71]

Great post, thanks for putting it up....

[tjh67]

Great read, and it really helped with how I was feeling earlier today.
Glad I came across this!

[Tom156]

Awesome article! This is EXACTLY how I feel, you hit the nail on the head. Sometimes you have to use pure will power to accomplish your goals. Knowledge is only half of the battle, putting it into practise and seeing it through untill the end is what seperates the champions from the average Joes.

Thumbs up.

[jrrob101]

Great post! I've been going to the gym on and off for years. I went in with no goals and came out with no results. Then I found BB and realized I was doing everything wrong! Now i'm making progress, it's been difficult to keep myself motivated on going to the gym but comparing myself to before keeps me motivated.

[kevinwh]

One of the things that really helps me is to tie exercise in with something I enjoy. I think of it like hiding vegetables in with meals I like everyday. This way my brain is looking forward to something I like and excercise is just on the path to get what I want.

Now this reward can be anything. Music, a food, or even some time with a favorite show that you enjoy to watch.

[YogaAmy]

Number five is really relevant to me. I always compare myself to others It's hard not to! Every one does it, but we all know it's better if we just focus on ourselves.

[HautDeGamme]

nice!

[samos]

I live by no such thing as failure. Just a result. Might not be the result you wanted, but you pick yourself up and go again. Has worked for me.

[MattL919]

Great post. These are great reminders to keep readily available.

[Jwulz]

#9 Is the biggest one for me! Great post!

[JCRZ88]

really needed this post today

[MTII]

Well said post #1

[Blur4G]

Great post!

[tlipp]

awsome post

[LindaAlbert]

Great post..!
Really very motivating.
Thanks for sharing.

[sethboss]

repped,
i find #9 as well, i actually got told i live a boring life cause the only thing i do is sleep,eat,work and workout but i dont really care ha! Im happy of where I am at and thats all that matters.

I feel similar!

[callmemayb]

wow great list :)

thanks!

[Stormscar]

#11 All the chicks you're going to bang when you get ripped

[tpellikan]

Number 9 is something i can definitley relate to. All of my friends love to party abd drink and i would usually get sucked into it. It had stopped me everytime and i would have to restart even after i reached a checkpoint in my journey to my goal. I recently have gained the willpower to say no but i still hang with them and they respect my outlook to reach my goal. Now i just grab some water when they grab some beer and i dont even mind helpin them out and making sure theyre safe by being a dd because im on my path to finally reaching my goal that i have been longing to achieve.

[danhdz325]

Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!

same here man /: feels bad

[slapboxing]

#2 takes the most mental toll on me. Thanks! needed this today.

[loseitall90210]

No. 9 is never a problem. I tell them diabetes, HBP, and hypertension run in my family or the last I said, I'm training for a marathon, OR I also said my blood pressure is up and my doc told me to lay off.

Everyone doesn't bother me anymore. Gotta do what you gotta do to fight for the RIGHT to be fit. They were little white lies yes, but AT LEAST, I did not lie to myself and say, hey, this cheat won't hurt, everyone around me is eating it, it can't be bad. I just know what works for me. They can live their lives, I'll live mine.

Needless to say, I live in a MAJOR metropolitan area, so most people don't indulge in that stuff. It's a very health conscious city I live in; so it doesn't matter much.

Sad thing about my city, if you are like really fat, kinda fat, or obese, you are literallly a leper.

[bohernandez2]

Awesome post!!

[TFFHQ]

Those are great man. Thanks

[kristianallen]

Very Good man love def gunna giv rep when I can

[TheVeganMonster]

I like number 5...


This really helped :))))

[C33G]

Almost in tears dude.. No homo

[AlessandrinaS]

This morning when I read this post I realized how important all those points are... well said... you gave me an extra push thank you so much Manditude!

[JRBlankey]

Wow! This really helps me stay motivated! :)

[avad]

Thread like this make me go on y road when i feel disappointed

[Nons3nse]

needed this thanks

[tsTraining]

Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!

SAME HERE I LOVE PIZZA AND BROWNIES... Or PaKKORA this Indian fried dish.. Its hard 4 me Ringo

[tsTraining]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up

Great Post!!!

[MrAwesome90]

Cool post! Winners never quit - Quitters never win!

[JoeyP42]

Amazing! Pretty much the 10 Commandments to working out!

[Nymfo]

Number 9 is most difficult for me also, got no problem packing in all the unhealthy food and eating well but when it comes to a Friday night out after a week of work I just cant say no :(

[WeightWarri0r]

Great stuff!

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

I think I have the most trouble with this one, too many birthdays/holidays/get togethers make it difficult to stick to a diet. Once I get a little taste of the sweets or the pizza, I wanna eat the whole damn thing!

Great stuff x2

[emarion1114]

This really helps. Thanks for sharing.

[slopapace]

+1

my few things:

Don't listen to naysayer

Stay positive

Don't give up when you miss a day

[crohnsNOmore]

This is really great motivation. Just what I needed today :)

[beatbox101]

Nice post and thanks for the lists..
Same as the others, #9 got me too..
Please keep it up mate!

[Shobz]

#5 helps me thanks!

[loganhart]

Number 9 is something i can definitley relate to. All of my friends love to party abd drink and i would usually get sucked into it. It had stopped me everytime and i would have to restart even after i reached a checkpoint in my journey to my goal. I recently have gained the willpower to say no but i still hang with them and they respect my outlook to reach my goal. Now i just grab some water when they grab some beer and i dont even mind helpin them out and making sure theyre safe by being a dd because im on my path to finally reaching my goal that i have been longing to achieve.

Same here!

[baqeralfaham]

I like #5: compete against the person in the mirror b/c that's what is important.

[KubaB]

Very helpful :]

[FitnessMan3]

This is great! Motivation is always key to keep pushing yourself further, I think I'll be bookmarking this :)

[joeylee56]

These reasons are spot on!

[MMMKAYMAN1769]

great post! http://youarestepone.com/images/34/c/wink.gif

[AlexWeston]

I think number 6 is too often forgotten. It's human nature to want instant results, but we have to remember how much time and dedication are necessary to get the results we want. Good post man!

[Marcobrah]

Perfect Post! Lets go brahs!

[SlapNPop]

#5 - compare yourself only to yourself!

#6 - Rome isn't built in just a day!

#8 - bodybuilding is fun! Have fun and succeed!

[cribec0]

do you want it badder then you want to party? if you want to be successful, sometimes u r going to have to stay up 3 days in a row.-eric thomas

[tanimis]

Thanks for the post.

[Pyrao]

Great post, especially number 9.

[Charmarie78]

Great encouragement! I've been so focussed on the negatives lately that #3 really hit home for me. Thank you!

[entreperformer]

Exquisite read! Fantastic article!

ShowbizForums.Net

[mwalker157]

Great post. Number five had the most impact on me. I have a competitive nature which is good in most regardsbut led to me using poor form and hurting myself to try and beat the other guy. Now I have taught myself form over weight any day

[ASmith7]

Brilliant post mate.

[davidbrownacc]

Amazing ways to keep ourselves motivated :)

[ChillisChick]

The gym is all about MOTIVATION!

[AdamBettke]

nice post!

[Matador1982]

Good reading!

[hectoro18]

One of my biggest flaws is dieting being tempted by all the bad foods around these tips are fascinating and great jus gotta "drag your.self out too run"

[Reignsupreme3]

good stuff, love all the responses

[RippedFuture]

Words like these sure do nourish the mind :-)

[HitmanDG]

Loved this post

[Emz88]

Thanks man helpful post http://ulotrichous.info/images/smile

[Mallonhead]

Number 9 is the toughest man.

My mates always say " Why don't you drink anymore?" or bring home McDonalds and rip into me when I don't eat it. As a university student, they feel like I am obliged to live an unhealthy lifestyle.

I eagerly await summer camping, when I can walk around shirtless and show them the reason I did this.

[MikeKov]

Number 9 for me. All my friends would buy burgers and stuff for me. Its hard but I gained the ability to say no

[bladetink]

Great post!

[paperstacks1980]

good stuff right there

[tigersoultiger]

If I only red this like three years ago... :P

[jigglibuns]

Love this thread. Thanks.

[Matthew3006]

This is an amazing post and is very motivational knowing there's all of you lifters out there

[recremaras]

very motivational

[samfitz111]

Amazing post. Deffinately Puts everything into perspective

[strongliftsgirl]

Beautiful, can be applied to more than one thing in life. First place. Here I come!

[Jerome000]

Great advice, especially like number 5. So true.

[jfgoodtimes]

I originally wrote and posted this in the Losing Fat section of the forum but I thought I'd post it here too, as it did good there I figured it might help a few people out here too.

I thought this would be good to write out, and hopefully contribute to if you can think of others.

Everyone, at some point or another, loses motivations or lacks it, let's reminds ourselves anything is achieveable.

1. Why? The one-worded question where all of this began. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. Don't forget that.

2. You feel you're setting yourself up for failure. You're wrong. You've tried multiple diets which have had short term effects, but in the long run you've only ended up back at square one. This time is different, tell yourself that. Let your past mistakes be nothing but learning guidelines, everytime you try something different you're finding out something new about yourself, don't be put off from previous failure - welcome it then destroy it.

3. Stop focusing so much on the negatives. Bring out the positives and be proud of every achievement made, whether it be big or small the fact of the matter is everything you do affects your goal, so staying awake from the cheesecake, or dragging yourself to go for a run - it all pays off in the end.

4. There's going to be times when you feel progress is going nowhere, that you're eating foods you hate and exercising for long periods of time; and for what? I'm sure this question has ran through many peoples' minds, whether its because they're diet is off or they're stuck at a plateau, it doesn't matter - don't give up! Just because your hitting a hard point doesn't mean you can't soar through it, sit back, evaluate, change. It might take someone 3 months to achieve they're ideal body whilst it might take someone else 3 years. If it's in your heart then it's worth it.

5. Compare yourself against yourself, and no one else. You're not working with their body, you're working on yours, whilst it's good to have an idea of how you want to look, don't go competing with the fitness instructor at your gym. Compete against the person in the mirror because that's what important.

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

8. Have fun. Look at what you're doing and enjoy it, everytime you exercise you're changing your body. If you're bored of the treadmill jump off and go on the bike, rowing machine, anything. There's endless ways to make working out fun, it doesn't always have to be as grim as some people make out.

9. There's going to be people who won't support you, who'll try to convince you to binge drink out on a friday night or share half a pizza with them and to stop being so 'boring', and yes, it's hard to resist and have enough will power to say no, sometimes its a lonely road when you feel isolated in that manner, but that's what seperates you from them. You should still have a social life and enjoy yourself, have treats here and there, but don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do.

10. Be proud of who you are and what you're doing, of these steps you're taking and sacrifices you're making to become a healthier person. Not only should you be amazed by yourself, but you should remember the people you're inspiring around you. You should think about how you're going to feel once you've achieved your goal/look, and how others are going to look at you when you have. It takes a considerable amount of will power and determination to achieve something great, and to think about when you get to post your 'before and after' photo's which in turn motivates and inspires others to push harder.

If you set your mind to it, you CAN do it!
Never give up


GREAT thread. #5 is me right now. There are so many people out there to compare yourself too, but why? Why set yourself up like that and begin to compare? It really doesn't get a person very far. Be the best YOU and that's all a person can strive for. Needed this!

[Hagen89]

Great post.

[ESmith87]

Will be reading this each morning. Great post!

[rayray187]

You're welcome :)

Man I really need to read something like that thank you, it really is a struggle and sometimes intimidating when you workout and realize how hard it is to stay focused.

[ace2735]

If I knew this stuff a year ago.. Sigh :D. I look back at this everytime I'm feeling less motivated, and it puts me back right in track!

Thanks!

[youlaw]

nice post, thanks :)

[cdemaio817]

Love this..I'm just starting out so this will definitely come in handy somewhere down the line!

[cyilmassive3]

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

Thank you so much for sharing this 10 good point on motivational... It really speak to me and most of it is number 7 because at time i am always think that what i do is not enough but after reading this i feel much better. Thank you

[frankstomp]

Awesome stuff,

6. Understand. This isn't going to be easy, infact by far frustrating but believe in yourself and you will go far. Set goals that are realistic, not ridiculous. Patience is a virtue, and no matter how many days you wake up feeling sluggish I can bet if you drag your ass to go for a run you'll feel a million times better and refreshed afterwards. This isn't a quick fix, this is something you should adapt into as a lifestyle.

I like this one so much especially set goals that are realistic, not rediculous...because most of us sometimes we set goal and never achieve them due to lack of exersise or being lazy.

[straitman]

Great stuff

[frankstomp]

7. You're not alone. You have a huge support group, online or at home, there are plenty of other people trying to achieve the same goals as you, going through the same problems and dealing with the same experiences. Talking to someone always helps, there's a ton of useful information out there from a lot of well respected people. Don't be afraid to ask.

I love this one because sometimes it takes strength and commitment to do something that at first time may look hard and when you are alone you feel hopeless. But through this i know that i m not alone and there are people out their who are willing to help people achieve their goals