How do you deal with a motivational crisis?

[juliacheh]

I had several of them already but this time it has come to a point where I actually hired someone for accountability and help. It feels so weird being helped after doing everything on my own for many months.
Motivational videos, positive mottos/slogans don't do sh.t for me except irritate or make me laugh.
Sick of trying to diet down (zero motivation) to acceptable leanness before starting a bulk. Five months essentially wasted already in terms of building muscle.

[WonderPug]

I'd suggest you watch this (seriously, despite what you said about motivational videos):

uEMd5xlAgOA


I also suggest you try increasing your dietary fat intake considerably (again, seriously). Bacon is motivation served on a platter.

[spicyprice]

I suggest a mental break....... has done WONDERS for my motivation.


I stepped away, ignored the scale and the mirror and the critiquing of myself. Lifted because I love it, but diet wise I just let it be and what happened happened. couple months later I am excited about sticking to my calorie goals and excited to see what I can do.

[TheRagingboxer]

I wake my ass up at 4am hating life for this first 30minutes thinking of reasons in my head as to why I should just go back to sleep instead of going to the gym, but I go because I know like the day before that once I'm in there doing work, I'm one step closer to my goal, I'm one day stronger then I was they day before.

I tell myself that all that I have sacrificed will not be for nothing!
I pay for my membership so I will not be wasting that money!
When I'm warming up on the treadmill before I train, I just think of my goals, the physique I'm trying to attain, the reasons why I'm at the gym in the first place, all the people who are nay-sayers/haters.. and go do work!

Throw the ear buds in, zone out of the world, and zone into your training.

I agree with Pug also, if nothing else, BACON will lead u to the promise land!!

[Frotabaga]

Forgive my bluntness, but if you're tired of dieting, why not just say "fuk it" and go into bulking and such right now? You obviously know how to lose fat so I doubt it'd be an issue for you to lose the few extra pounds you're trying to lose now in addition to any others you may put on during your bulk.

I know that the P ratio is shifted more towards muscle if you're leaner, but is it worth your sanity (so to speak) to try and improve the ratio a tiny bit more?

[fad3d]

Maybe you need to re-evaluate what "acceptable leanness" means. Goals are great but you might be too hard on yourself about your appearance. I tend to be the same way, when I look in the mirror I dont see what I am, but where I "could" be. Too often though "could" means stage ready which just isnt happening for me and I need to reevaluate before I develop a disorder. Looking at your pics, you are so far ahead of the pack that it hurts to hear you say you arent lean enough.

Personally, Ive been cutting for about 18 months and Ive had enough of this ****. Ive lost 95 pounds, I look pretty good and I cant let the little love handles rattle me. Winter is coming up, Im going to start eating more and keep lifting. And itll be ok...

[PhiSig2298]

You just got back from vacation right? A lot of people always say "enjoy your vacation & you'll come back better"... That doesn't work for me. If I take "vacations", it takes me longer to get back into the swing of things. I get that "IDGAF" attitude & it takes me a couple of weeks to be fully motivated then. Just a thought

[juliacheh]

I suggest a mental break....... has done WONDERS for my motivation.


I stepped away, ignored the scale and the mirror and the critiquing of myself. Lifted because I love it, but diet wise I just let it be and what happened happened. couple months later I am excited about sticking to my calorie goals and excited to see what I can do.

I already took a three weak break after I rebounded badly post-cut. Three weeks of not tracking, not lifting, not doing cardio. Just now I took a week off and went to Vegas for three days. It's mind blowing to me how disciplined I was when I was cutting - tracking everything to a T, doing fasted cardio, never missing a lifting session and how totally unmotivated I am now though I hate how I look (normal, but unacceptable for me). Also have to deal with some minor health issues.

Honestly I was happier in 2010 when I didn't count calories and still had a decent physqiue. However, I think because of the cut and IF I lost the ability to eat intuitively, my satiety mechanism is screwed up and now I have to track because otherwise I will tend to overeat big time. At least I have someone who will be on my back right now asking how much I weigh/whether I am sticking to macros and offering other advice:)

@Pug - as much as I admire and respect Manu, he is on such a different level than me. Sometimes I think he is not even human. semisrs.

[juliacheh]

Nah, I do need to drop a few pounds. It's not a vanity thing.

@fad3d - lol, I am 114-115 pounds in thise pictures, 125-126 now. I don't have any recent pictures in my bodyspace.

@PhiSig2298 - I just went to Vegas for three days, was awesome.

Of course I am not planning to be as ripped again as I was in June. This is what caused all my current problems.
But I do need to diet down to 120-122 pounds, the person helping me thinks so too, so this is the current plan.

[WonderPug]

I already took a three weak break after I rebounded badly post-cut. Three weeks of not tracking, not lifting, not doing cardio. Honestly, this is why I'm opposed to very strict dieting, especially low fat versions of strict dieting, as I think what you are experiencing is at least not uncommon and perhaps even a common rebound effect.

As for how to regain your focus: that comes from within and sometimes each of us has to search very deep inside to find the will to do what our bodies protest...but I'm sure you can find the strength. I just think you might get there more easily if your diet was, perhaps, a bit less strict and, also, perhaps composed a bit differently.

[desslok]

If you aren't cutting for a competition, then it probably isn't motivation related.

[WonderPug]

Of course I am not planning to be as ripped again as I was in June. This is what caused all my current problems.
But I do need to diet down to 120-122 pounds, the person helping me thinks so too, so this is the current plan.With all due respect (and you deserve a great deal of respect), I think cutting is the last thing you should be doing right now, as your state of mind is, in my opinion, a function of having cut too much using all to stringent methods.

I think you need to reset your thought process and focus on maximizing muscle gains for a good number of months and then, after many months, you should slowly start pealing back some of the resulting body fat.

But what do I know...I'm just a bacon eating pug who types with his front paw pads.

[beef0270]

I've always had a problem with keeping my focus. I'd was always good at getting results super fast. I would get content and slack off. It was a cycle for me.

This time around coming to these forums is actually helping me keep my focus and reading through logs like Manu also help me. Seeing somebody with that much focus and willpower is always a boost for me.

This site always help me cut out some of my broscience behaviors so that has helped keep me sane as well.

Obviously everybody has their own way with dealing with motivation, but this has been helping me this time around.

[HunterCML]

I look at old photos of myself when I was 285lbs and unhappy. Then I recognize how far I've come. Then I look at other posters/people, and see that I'm not even close to my goal and that I have years and years of busting ass left.

The work is never done; you can always be better.

[lovingit]

I don't know, but good thread. I'm having motivational issues myself though they are slightly different than yours. Most days I wake up and have to talk myself into not giving up lifting altogether.

[TheRagingboxer]

I don't know, but good thread. I'm having motivational issues myself though they are slightly different than yours. Most days I wake up and have to talk myself into not giving up lifting altogether.

Stay the course!

[WonderPug]

^ This x2.

I think I look at lifting and diet differently than some folks do.

Lifting is recreation for me.
Eating is recreation for me.

The motivation is thus a consequence of doing what I love to do.

[ko300zx]

I also suggest you try increasing your dietary fat intake considerably (again, seriously). Bacon is motivation served on a platter.

I've actually gone from around 80g fat to at least 130 a day for the past maybe 8 or 9 days and I've had a few of the best workouts since last December when I was fulking. I feel mentally stronger and focused when I'm there and I don't feel like I'm simply going through the motions. I can't promise that this fat increase is the direct cause of this sudden increase in motivation, but I feel better when I'm there and my lifts even went up significantly in only a weeks time. Think I may increase even more to see what happens.

[TheRagingboxer]

The way I look at it is like Pug said, it's recreation for me. Yeah somedays it's hard to wake up and get it in, but get it in. Sometimes diet needs re-evaluated as well as training/splits etc..

I mean what is the alternative, go back to a previous lifestyle of poor eating habits, sloth, and self destructive behaviors. Nah not for me.

[sawoobley]

I look for small successes where ever I can. Strength gains, an extra rep, completing my workout for the day. I also back away from certain aspects of my diet when it leads to negative or overly critical thinking. Then i resort to simplifying my diet as much as possible so I don't have to think about it as much (i.e. eat nearly the same thing each day for a week). When find myself being more positive about it then I return back to my diet and tweak it and improve on it by learning new recipes and finding different ways of simplifying my life. Even though I want to make progress quickly sometimes I have to not think so much about progress in terms of time because it leads to anxiety and takes the fun out of lifting weights and ends up being counter productive.

When I am making strength gains then I'm focused on making more strength gains. When I get my diet in check and I start making progress then that is where my focus is. When everything is going right then I'm focused on keeping everything going well. I try to keep myself focused on the things going right instead of the things going wrong and keep those things in the back of my mind so I'm working on them but not obsessing over them. The main thing I try and do is to keep it enjoyable and still make progress. Since I don't have to worry about competing I just have to worry about making progress.

I'm still reaping newbie gains so I can find a lot of successes and progress along the way. Once I peter out a bit and things slow down I figure that I'll be strong enough and have added enough muscle that I'll be so pleased with myself that I'll want to continue on. I try not to compare myself to the awesome people on this site but rather look at myself in context of normal average people because it helps me see my progress more and see the progress I've made.

Everyone has to find that thought process or motivation that works for them.

[HunterCML]

I look for small successes where ever I can. Strength gains, an extra rep, completing my workout for the day. I also back away from certain aspects of my diet when it leads to negative or overly critical thinking. Then i resort to simplifying my diet as much as possible so I don't have to think about it as much (i.e. eat nearly the same thing each day for a week). When find myself being more positive about it then I return back to my diet and tweak it and improve on it by learning new recipes and finding different ways of simplifying my life. Even though I want to make progress quickly sometimes I have to not think so much about progress in terms of time because it leads to anxiety and takes the fun out of lifting weights and ends up being counter productive.

When I am making strength gains then I'm focused on making more strength gains. When I get my diet in check and I start making progress then that is where my focus is. When everything is going right then I'm focused on keeping everything going well. I try to keep myself focused on the things going right instead of the things going wrong and keep those things in the back of my mind so I'm working on them but not obsessing over them. The main thing I try and do is to keep it enjoyable and still make progress. Since I don't have to worry about competing I just have to worry about making progress.

I'm still reaping newbie gains so I can find a lot of successes and progress along the way. Once I peter out a bit and things slow down I figure that I'll be strong enough and have added enough muscle that I'll be so pleased with myself that I'll want to continue on. I try not to compare myself to the awesome people on this site but rather look at myself in context of normal average people because it helps me see my progress more and see the progress I've made.

Everyone has to find that thought process or motivation that works for them.

I do want to add that a main determining factor in my daily motivation are these "small successes".

I get better every day, no matter what. There is no option for remaining the same. If I can do one extra rep, a little more weight, run a little farther, bike a little faster, stretch a little deeper, do a bit better ROM on my lifts - I'm doing it right. Strive to get better everyday at something, it doesn't matter how big or little the accomplishment.

When you have that daily goal and outlook, you find yourself a lot farther in 2-3 months than you ever thought you would be. The little things add up quickly.

[deadpool9]

I lift so I can eat.
So every time I want to go pig out on a Chinese Buffet on Friday, I make myself work extra hard the whole week before.
It helps me, simple rewards like that 2x a month or so. Keeps me sane on the longer cuts.

Recently, I have tried doing the 6wk bulk, 2 wk cut thing and that has really helped. Right now I am on the longest cut I have been on in a while. Did 5 weeks cut, then a week off when I went on vacation. Doing another 4 weeks now, and then going back to bulking.

Also, do you keep a workout log? I find recording all my sets/reps really helps to push me the next week.

[Phrak]

Honestly I was happier in 2010 when I didn't count calories and still had a decent physqiue. However, I think because of the cut and IF I lost the ability to eat intuitively, my satiety mechanism is screwed up and now I have to track because otherwise I will tend to overeat big time.

Not going to lie, doing IF for a couple months left me in the same position. I am now so used to eating larger meals. I now only feel "full" when im stuff to the gills with food. I also picked up the eating a million miles a minute trying to squeak in 2000 calories 30 minutes before bed. I have since reversed my eating habits back to 3 smaller meals a day (500 cal each) and one larger post workout one.

Also i am limiting my time on this forum, the nutrition forum to be exact. I spend way to many hours a day thinking about food and food related issues. Not healthy.

[HunterCML]

Not going to lie, doing IF for a couple months left me in the same position. I am now so used to eating larger meals. I now only feel "full" when im stuff to the gills with food. I also picked up the eating a million miles a minute trying to squeak in 2000 calories 30 minutes before bed. I have since reversed my eating habits back to 3 smaller meals a day (500 cal each) and one larger post workout one.

I think IF had the same effect on me.

I literally cannot even feel partially satisfied from a meal unless it's well over 1k calories, or has a ton of volume.

brb 2 pounds of beef and 2 pounds of veggies


brb still foreverhungry

[spicyprice]

I already took a three weak break after I rebounded badly post-cut. Three weeks of not tracking, not lifting, not doing cardio. Just now I took a week off and went to Vegas for three days. It's mind blowing to me how disciplined I was when I was cutting - tracking everything to a T, doing fasted cardio, never missing a lifting session and how totally unmotivated I am now though I hate how I look (normal, but unacceptable for me). Also have to deal with some minor health issues.

Honestly I was happier in 2010 when I didn't count calories and still had a decent physqiue. However, I think because of the cut and IF I lost the ability to eat intuitively, my satiety mechanism is screwed up and now I have to track because otherwise I will tend to overeat big time. At least I have someone who will be on my back right now asking how much I weigh/whether I am sticking to macros and offering other advice:)


TBH, three weeks isnt very long. I was thinking more like a few months. I kept lifting because I love it, and had already done a 2 week training break, but the mental break was until I felt READY to work towards my personal goal without frustration and without being pissed at myself for not being where I thought I should be.

Whoever said you might want to re-evaluate what you think is acceptable makes a great point.

[juliacheh]

@ Pug
I understand your concern, but I have somebody who is watching me right now, and I need to drop maybe 4 pounds of fat max. He also increased my fats from 50 to 60 at the expense of CHO.
My rebound was a result of hormonal shift because of low bodyfat, my cutting methods were very sound and far from stringent. The fact is most women do not handle low bodyfat well. This is something that is never talked about openly in the industry.

Great input, folks. I am happy I am not alone who had a bad experience with IF. It's such a double-edged sword. I loved it so much but now I believe it screwed me up.

[MarkVI]

Julia....you take this too seriously, especially since you have no deadlines (shows, photoshoots etc...). Chillax and things will fix themselves...I think having a coach and helping you be more mindless on the diet (following what they say instead of mind ****ing yourself) will be a great benefit.

The motivation will come back. I've been right where you are mutliple times.

[juliacheh]

Mandy, I totally understand what you are talking about.
I wanted to give up lifting a few times.
However, when I don't lift I feel even worse lol.

[juliacheh]

I love lifting and doing other athletic things.
Yes, I do keep a log.

However, right now I feel like I wanna give up everything.
Not the first time it happened to me, however this time it is just the worst.
Probably just have to push through, and the motivation will come back.

[fad3d]

I love lifting and doing other athletic things.
Yes, I do keep a log.

However, right now I feel like I wanna give up everything.
Not the first time it happened to me, however this time it is just the worst.
Probably just have to push through, and the motivation will come back.

Next month I am going to stop counting calories and cut the amount of days in the gym to 3 and 4 a week. I wont keep a log, I will just lift like I enjoy and give me good results. Like MarkVI said, we arent prepping for any photo shoots or to be on stage. We arent making a living out of this. We are healthy, we look pretty good (**** yea) and we have developed some bad habits that can be fixed with stepping back a bit. Counting calories and being on a strict workout plan is NOT essential to being happy.

[Dujin77]

For me it is not so much how I look, though that is part of my motivation, about 20%, another part being what I can do about 30%. The other 50% is hinged on improving myself in some way everyday. If you are having this much trouble cutting, then change your focus. To be honest it sounds like you are mentally focused on wanting to build muscle and not on cutting. This is clouding your ability to motivate yourself. I am going to agree with Pug and say bulk for several months at least.

You are stagnating right now with cutting, so stop spinning your wheels in the rut, pry yourself out, and go another direction. When you've accomplished goals in the new direction, then go back and the road will be paved and ready for you.

[lovingit]

Mandy, I totally understand what you are talking about.
I wanted to give up lifting a few times.
However, when I don't lift I feel even worse lol.Yes! This is the only reason I currently drag my ass into the gym. I know that if I don't I will feel a hundred times worse.

[jak3e1992]

Take a sheet of paper and make two sides: Why you're doing what you're doing/what it would be like if you stopped.

Then just evaluate the answers, of course you could make the topics in each column different than those I mentioned. But for me seeing things on paper and having something in hand has always helped me. Like for school I hand write my papers will, seeing what I've accomplished in my hands helps me. Having a list of your accomplishments and goals on paper to mark off is a great feeling. Hope all gets better and you find that push from within you're looking for. No advice can really help you, its all from within :)

[juliacheh]

The funniest thing is that if I did not cut that drastically I still would be semi-lean and doing OK lol.
I weigh more now that I did pre-cut.
Have to deal now with:
- inability to feel full on any number of calories/type of foods
- water retention due to screwed up hormonal balance. At some point in August it was so bad I could not fit in my clothes.
- skewed body image
- aggravated pre-existing issues.
- loss of motivation
All of this as a result of one single cut to competition lean bodyfat using reasonable methods.
I guess things will get better in time :)

[juliacheh]

You are stagnating right now with cutting, so stop spinning your wheels in the rut, pry yourself out, and go another direction. When you've accomplished goals in the new direction, then go back and the road will be paved and ready for you.

Sure, I have never cut and bulked before, I was born like this LOL.

[spicyprice]

Just think if you had cut out CHOs too like so many seem to do......



Water retention is a mind-fooking thing. It LOOKS like fat.

I imagine you are working with someone who is REALLY well qualified, but Im going to go ahead and make another suggestion. Leigh Peele. I know she has done a LOT of work with anorexics and those with eating/image disorders and the resulting hormone and fluid issues that come with it. $50 consult was the best thing I ever did.

[NaLLa8705]

I had several of them already but this time it has come to a point where I actually hired someone for accountability and help. It feels so weird being helped after doing everything on my own for many months.
Motivational videos, positive mottos/slogans don't do sh.t for me except irritate or make me laugh.
Sick of trying to diet down (zero motivation) to acceptable leanness before starting a bulk. Five months essentially wasted already in terms of building muscle.

Out of all the people who I would expect to have trouble with motivation and moving forward, you would of been near the back of my list. This may sound weird, but to read this is motivation for me. We are all human. If someone who has had great physical results goes through the same mental struggles I do, I know I can do it too. (I am taking this from all posts in this thread)

As individuals we all need to find motivation in indepent ways. What works for me may not work for you. Try and remember what gave you that incredible drive before and know where you DONT want to be.

Also, I'll agree that most motivational posters and videos are corny.... except this one

http://www.buzzlol.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/quote-funny-Suffer-The-Pain-Of-Discipline.jpg

Literally have this saved on my phone and will read it sometimes when I am thinking about saying **** it and getting yucky/binging


But what do I know...I'm just a bacon eating pug who types with his front paw pads.

You know... you creep me out with all this "I am an actual dog" stuff you type... (semisrs)


Also i am limiting my time on this forum, the nutrition forum to be exact. I spend way to many hours a day thinking about food and food related issues. Not healthy.

I had to stop looking and posting in MEN because of this... too much time spent dreaming about BnJ, along with other delicious food... lol

This is going to sound blasphemous but I find motivation in lurking the misc. The *******ness of so many of those guys over there is an odd bit of personal motivation for myself. Then again I am a very spiteful person so I find motivation like that.

[Dujin77]

Sure, I have never cut and bulked before, I was born like this LOL.I realize your very experienced, was simply trying to give you some helpful advice, I'll remember not to in the future.

[ErickStevens]

The funniest thing is that if I did not cut that drastically I still would be semi-lean and doing OK lol.
I weigh more now that I did pre-cut.
Have to deal now with:
- inability to feel full on any number of calories/type of foods
- water retention due to screwed up hormonal balance. At some point in August it was so bad I could not fit in my clothes.
- skewed body image
- aggravated pre-existing issues.
- loss of motivation
All of this as a result of one single cut to competition lean bodyfat using reasonable methods.
I guess things will get better in time :)

Coming from the voice of experience: Just deal with it. This too shall pass.

[juliacheh]

Just think if you had cut out CHOs too like so many seem to do......



Water retention is a mind-fooking thing. It LOOKS like fat.

I imagine you are working with someone who is REALLY well qualified, but Im going to go ahead and make another suggestion. Leigh Peele. I know she has done a LOT of work with anorexics and those with eating/image disorders and the resulting hormone and fluid issues that come with it. $50 consult was the best thing I ever did.

Well, let me put it this way. I am working with someone I trust, qualifications per se don't mean a lot to me tbh. Nah, I am not that desperate, don't have an ED, just some minor issues that need to be taken care of, and most of them will just get better in time. Wioll go for repeated bloodwork on Saturday, since I am obviously higher in bodyfat than I was in July and those results are no longer relevant. Thanks:)

[juliacheh]

Out of all the people who I would expect to have trouble with motivation and moving forward, you would of been near the back of my list.

Great post and yeah I am very human LOL. Actually very hormonal and unstable female LOL.


I realize your very experienced, was simply trying to give you some helpful advice, I'll remember not to in the future.

I understand you were trying to offer helpful advice. I don't consider myself very experienced. However, i mentioned a few times that bulking right away is not an option. Your post just had too much "positive" stuff LOL.


Coming from the voice of experience: Just deal with it. This too shall pass.
I am trying lol. Never expected it would be that bad.

[fad3d]

unstable female LOL.


You dont need to be redundant with "unstable."

[spicyprice]

Well, let me put it this way. I am working with someone I trust, qualifications per se don't mean a lot to me tbh. Nah, I am not that desperate, don't have an ED, just some minor issues that need to be taken care of, and most of them will just get better in time. Wioll go for repeated bloodwork on Saturday, since I am obviously higher in bodyfat than I was in July and those results are no longer relevant. Thanks:)


Trusting who you are working with is def most important. I dont want you to think I was saying you have an ED, but was thinking of the fluid balance and hormonal stuff. Looks like you have a positive outlook. Keep that going! Time and some mental relaxation work wonders on pretty much anything!


One of the best things ever made for relaxation: Lavender epsom salt baths and a glass of wine..... at the same time!
http://i55.tinypic.com/2cdcy6e.jpg

[JJWheyy]

not that my opinion is worth much but try and be happy you have the opportunity to lift and to change your body for the better. If youre not enjoying training dont train- just go back when youre feeling it

[perumina]

are you putting too much pressure on yourself...why not focus on your other hobbies
after all it is just a hobby right?

[feelsg00dmayne]

No matter what else we do in our lives, how bad we fuk up at school, how bad work is going, how much we slack on stuff we should be doing, this is something that we will always have. Even when the rest of the bull sh*t in your life comes crashing down absolutely nothing can keep us from making forward progress in this and as long as we keep doing this, everything else will get better.

^taken from some motivational thread some time ago...not sure if it'll help here, but it's worth a try.



Browsing through this thread, I too, questioned why I continue to pursue this lifestyle. maybe it's because a small part of me is masochistic?! no but seriously, I lift and watch what I eat because they serve as a reminder to myself that it is I who is in control of my life. To claim mastery over something such as your body is to say that you have the confidence to deal with what life begs to offer. Yes, it seems oxymoronic at times, when our lifestyle seems to be in control of our lives. But then again, it's basically a manner of perception: whether the glass is half-empty or half-full... it's all really up to you.

There's so much I could write about why I abide to this lifestyle... but it's not always rainbows and pretty colors and shyt--- there were many days where I, too, wished to quit. This is why I've kept a private journal listed with reasons why my life has improved since I've started bodybuilding. And this itself keeps me sane.

Finally, each night I sleep soundly with a smile on my face. why, you ask? because I achieved something today that I didn’t yesterday. Today I was harder. Today I was better. Today I was faster.

Today I was stronger.

[and you know what? for 5am bodybuilders like us... we've accomplished ALL that while people are still in bed oversleeping.]

keep your head up jules.

-FGM



















inb4coolstorybro.

[ErickStevens]

You can't always change your situation but you can change how you deal with it.

http://knowyourmeme.com/i/000/052/812/original/Deal_with_it_dog_gif.gif?1275684729

[juliacheh]

are you putting too much pressure on yourself...why not focus on your other hobbies
after all it is just a hobby right?

Training was half-assed since July honestly.
Lost interest in everything post-cut, including things I used to like. I feel better when I am going away but I can't do it all the time obviously:)

[juliacheh]

You can't always change your situation but you can change how you deal with it.



Should I call you Mr. Norton? :D

[phal]

Cocaine.

Wha..wait, what are we talking about again?

[ErickStevens]

Should I call you Mr. Norton? :D

I'm not that intense. Just saying - Perception is everything. Like my Yoda said to me the other day...

"There's a big difference in terms of effort between getting Chris Rock to shut up and Christopher Reeves to stand up." - Berto

[joelash302]

If I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't lift. Even doing smolov during the last weeks where I'd walk home with bloodshot eyes and the taste of vomit in my throat, I felt like I won something. That's where the appeal comes in more than looking good or being strong - succeeding mentally and physically. That's why I took up climbing, it added a complex puzzle to a physical and mental challenge and heightened the success.

I would definitely try to get back to basics and realize why you are there. Get your purpose back, and it comes together on it's own.

[WonderPug]

^ Exactly.

The purpose of fitness is to improve the quality of your life. As soon as it ceases to do that, you're either doing it wrong or fitness isn't for you.

And in large part, that's why I'm very strongly opposed to extreme diets and extreme fixation of diets. It destroys the purpose of fitness, in my opinion, as it results in misery and, often, highly antisocial behaviors.

[Dexter3000]

I also suggest you try increasing your dietary fat intake considerably (again, seriously). Bacon is motivation served on a platter.

I am (seriously) interested in why you advice an increase in dietary fat intake. Could you elaborate on this please?

[Lvisaa2]

I will try to steer away from specific advice as you are a big girl and can make decisions on your own. With that being said, I will start with my one piece of more specific advice. Eat in a surplus with higher fats. If you're already hormonally screwed up then you should be working toward rectifying this problem rather than worrying about scale weight. An overall better mood, demeanor, motivation, etc. will in the end lead to better results. The long-term consequences of not rectifying this problem will only lead to further frustration, angst, and in the end probably giving up.

With that out of the way, I will talk about things that have worked for me. First and foremost, I think it is important to evaluate your current choices, goals, and what is the best way to reach that end. When I decided to end my cut early - I had hoped to reach sub 6% - I did this and found it to be very effective in trying to organize my thoughts. Especially with messed up hormones(trust me, I'm still dealing with those effects), your mind is clouded, your thoughts are somewhat disorganized, and there are many conflicting notions arising. I sat down and wrote about 2 pages on where I was, where I wanted to be, and how I thought I should get there; you can also do this by talking with someone or any other route that you feel will work for you. If I can find it, I'll either post it or PM it to you. This helped me to more objectively lay out my current decisions and how they were affecting my life. I think it is imperative to not only look at this in a physique aspect, but to incorporate your life goals as well. To try to separate BB'ing and life is fruitless and will lead to unhappiness. We all start this journey as a way to ENHANCE our life, but many times we lose sight of that for our short-term goals or ideas of where we should be. The place I personally want to, and I think this coincides with many people's goal, is a healthy mind, body, and spirit. To place more emphasis on one certain aspect naturally detracts from one of the others. Taking into account a culmination of these three made me realize that reaching my short-term goal would conflict with my overall goal. I was progressively feeling worse mentally - worn down, beat-up, and emotionally on edge. All of these are extremely contrary to how I naturally am and I'm still fighting some of those effects. It took you a while to get to that point and it will take you a while to get out of that place. I think that you should try to evaluate how to get yourself working towards the right path, but also realize that it will take some time and patience to reach that point. Keep working towards that point and keep your head up. Realize there will be obstacles, trials, and tribulations on the way, but as long as you are moving in the right direction then you are doing something right.

Furthermore, I think it is imperative for all to evaluate what works best with their personality. We should identify our tendencies and behaviors so that we can construct our lives, diet, and rountines in such a manner that best affords us the possibility to succeed in our long term goals(see: mind, body, spirit above). For me, I have to realize that I overanalyze, I worry, and do things to a T. This is a great thing, but it is also troublesome. Most things have two sides to the picture and to only view it in one limits our ability to properly evaluate it. I personally am and all or nothing sort. There isn't a half-way or maybe in it. If I'm doing it, then it's getting done. Yet that can be a problem when you have chosen a path that may lead to issues. The rewards of rigidity are there, but they must also be taken with the consequences. By acknowledging those consequences you can get a better overall picture of whether the path you have chosen is correct for where you are. The way I handle this is by analyzing what I've decided, deciding on the path, and executing it. Now, there is a problem that exists in this, as well, which comes with overanalyzing. Constantly second guessing and doubting, worrying, wondering about this decision or that. The way I move past this is by knowing this is something that will happen and reality testing those thoughts. They will arise, they will come about, and it is simply about knowing how to use your tools to deal with them. Realizing the irrationality of those thoughts - I need to be leaner, I need to be bigger, I need to be this or that. Compare yourself to the everyday person, you physique is way beyond most any 21 year olds, let alone most 31 year olds. Keeping this in mind can help you to push past those thoughts, insecurities, and doubts. Realizing that you have done well, that there is more to do, but by consistency, working hard, and allowing yourself some leeway, you will succeed. By looking at what you've accomplished, you can start to obtain the confidence and faith that you need to push past those doubts, insecurities and concerns. You are a strong-willed lady, as has been evidenced by what you have achieved, try to use that to know that you will get your goals and that you should look at the other aspects of your life and keep them in accordance so that you can achieve your results without sacrificing other things. In the end, sit down with yourself and truly sort through your feelings and goals. It isn't always easy to face some of the facts or take into account all the things that you try to avoid, but by doing this I truly think that you will be happiest in the end.

As to motivation - I find it in many things.

I love reading Manu's log as his consistency, hard work, and will power are a shining example of what we can all become. Yet he also has balance. He takes days off, he knows his body, and he adjusts accordingly. That flexibility will be crucial in long term success. If not reading it for the workouts or the quotes, read it for the overall perspective. He doesn't explicitly count calories or fit into the perfect model of 'this workout', he simply finds the balance that produces his results and that has come with a culmination of life and training. I think it is a great lesson to all of us who tend to want to micromanage every detail.

Use your support groups - sh!t gets rough sometimes. Life, in general, isn't always easy. We go through our troubles and at those times is when we need to really reconnect and remember why we have those people we truly love. In trying times, don't be afraid to lean on your close friends, family, and even this forum to help you through. In fact, I find this topic to be admirable. To think that any of us go through this struggle-free isn't reality. Use us and others to help pick you up when you fall down. I know that when it happens to me or others on this forum, there are many that have and will do this. Sure, nutrition brings this forum initially together, but it is the interaction with people you enjoy that keeps us coming back. As cheesy as it sounds, this is a real network of friends who do want you to succeed and are here to help you out.

Just for today - focus on the day. Focus on the now. I can't tell you where I'll be in 3 years, 3 months, or even 3 days. I can tell you where I'll be now. I can tell you what I'm doing now. I take this into my everyday activities. If I try to focus too much on the future(I certainly have long-term goals that I work towards), then it is overwhelming. I can't control tomorrow or next week, but I can control now. I can control if I bust it in the gym, I can control if get to class, I can control if I get to work, I can control if I get my studying done. If you do these things then the long-term goals will come. No one takes giants leaps, we all steadily push forward with small babysteps.

Look at where you are - I look at where I was. Both in physique and in life, I've come a long way and it continually motivates me to push farther. I'm not satisfied with where I am, but I am happy with how far I've come. Looking back at the long-term progress is a great way to put the daily weight fluctuations, the MINOR(yes those things we see as mountains are actually molehills) failures, and other obstacles into perspective.

Look inside myself - This is by far where I get the most motivation. All the rest are great supplemental motivation factors, but in the end, we all need to find what inside of us makes us go. I want to progress. I want to be better. I want to succeed. I will not let anything impede my process to getting there(although the methods of getting there should be looked at). Not every workout is going to be strongly desired. Hell, waking up before it is light out and knowing I'm going to have a full day of class, then heading straight to work, then coming home to work on homework isn't always fun. It isn't always something you necessarily feel like doing, but you do it and you feel better. Know that you WILL feel better for doing this. Try to remember why you started. Try to remember that this is enjoyable and try to recapture that. The magic and passion will always bring you back to what it is really about. Constant progression, constant growth, and constant enhancement of your life. Have the faith that you do love this, that you will persevere, and that things will only continue to get better.

In the end, I have faith that you'll pull through. Keep the head up, evaluate, and work towards your goals.

ITT: I write a novel. Hopefully, you can find something to help in my rambling stream of consciousness.

[DarthInvadeHer]

It's mind blowing to me how disciplined I was when I was cutting - tracking everything to a T, doing fasted cardio, never missing a lifting session and how totally unmotivated I am now though I hate how I look (normal, but unacceptable for me).


Same exact thing happened to me right before I completely let myself go. Now all I can do is wish that I would have just stuck with it because those 2 years where I lost all my motivation were the worst two years of my life. Even now, I'd be so much happier if I just would've toughed it out. Think about the future, not what you want now.

[ErickStevens]

^ Holy shiit. TL;DR.

[Dexter3000]

I don't have the level of fitness/experience of most people in this thread but this is how I feel about it:

I can relate to the "all or nothing" personality, which goes hand in hand with the need for control. When you work on your body (training, diet) you have a sense of control and it feels good. The problem however is that when you loose this control, whether this is because of slipping on the diet or lack of training motivation, you feel bad about it. And it's a cycle, you always come back to the situation you feel comfortable in; when you are in control. I see this in myself and many other people who are dedicated to lifting in some sort of way.

For me personally this is also something to work on, realizing that you don't need (and you can't have) 100% control over everything, and that this is fine. It's the first step to a more flexible approach to for example dieting and food in general.

In a practical sense; I reduced training volume to max. 3 times a week and increased dietary fat intake, stopped weighing every gram of food. Feelsgood so far.

[BunkMoreland]

adopt more realistic short-term goals, loosen the reigns a bit, realize that you aren't pre comp (unless you are), discern that it won't happen overnight. recognize that you are one of the few that put enough effort in to attain a body that 99.9% of American women would kill to have.

don't take yourself so seriously, and don't neglect yourself of simple pleasures. best of luck to you, cheers.

[psychodiver9]

I'm sorry to hear about your motivation issues. You were/are one of the biggest influencing factors in me starting my bulk. I dont have a magic answer but wish you the best. Thats the biggest problem with long term endeavors is frustration with delayed gratification

[Lvisaa2]

^ Holy shiit. TL;DR.

Yeah... I tend to be long-winded

[trance__dreamer]

i read every reply in here.

i agree. if it's not making you happy, something needs to be modified.
& happiness itself shouldn't be based on extreme control or extreme body dissatisfaction.
but some of us - myself included - have tendancies to feel comfortable/safe with extremes. fitness/body is just 1 of those things that we control to feel happy/worthy/self-esteem/etc.
unfortunate, but true. no shame in it. we're all human.
personalities can't be changed completely, i don't think. some will always have ocd tendancies; w/ cleaning, fitness, fashion, etc. different outlets for different people.
but we gotta learn how to live sanely with them.


we're all in this together. you are not alone. :) these lyrics get me. (...more than they could ever get synthetic & his bagels. ;)) here:

ks_WTvxwbG0
^^ promise this song isn't TOO trancey. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW_K4vxyStY <-- really trancey if you want. ;))


this thread has helped me today. i got some pretty bad complaints about my classes last night & classes this morning; makin' me feel IMMENSELY uncomfortable today, especially since i'm not an extremely extroverted person & am not an attention whore whatsoever. (the complaints were stuff that i disagree with. but that's beside the point.) they still made me feel like complete ****. because i like to make people happy/laugh, as we all do. it is still some-what weird to be up in front of a ton of people. i love the adrenaline rush! but when **** goes sour, i feel extremely uncomfortable.

[juliacheh]

^ Holy shiit. TL;DR.

I read this all and actually it was quite a good read.
The only thing I can't eat in surplus right now. Putting on more fat will only spin me in further depression, since I am like 90% back to normal physically and my diet is good with reasonable macros and fats are good too, I will slowly drop a few pounds and then start gaining muscle which I have successfully done in the past.

Lots of good stuff ITT in general, I feel better after reading other people's experiences with this.

No more extreme dieting for now:)

[Lvisaa2]

I read this all and actually it was quite a good read.
The only thing I can't eat in surplus right now. Putting on more fat will only spin me in further depression, since I am like 90% back to normal physically and my diet is good with reasonable macros and fats are good too, I will slowly drop a few pounds and then start gaining muscle which I have successfully done in the past.

Lots of good stuff ITT in general, I feel better after reading other people's experiences with this.

No more extreme dieting for now:)

Cheers, like I said, you're a big girl and I'm sure you can evaluate your own diet. Either way, good luck and it'll be just a matter of time before you can't wait to hit the gym everyday. Although you should cut out those poptarts if you ever plan to break the woman's world record of DLs. /synthetic ;)

[juliacheh]

Cheers, like I said, you're a big girl and I'm sure you can evaluate your own diet. Either way, good luck and it'll be just a matter of time before you can't wait to hit the gym everyday. Although you should cut out those poptarts if you ever plan to break the woman's world record of DLs. /synthetic ;)

Thanks, Lee. You are a nice guy and have a good head on your shoulders, just be careful with that volume :) I haven't eaten poptarts in over a month. I am cutting down on sugar and starches for now, not eliminating entirely, but eating less than before and more veggies:).

[Lvisaa2]

Thanks, Lee. You are a nice guy and have a good head on your shoulders, just be careful with that volume :) I haven't eaten poptarts in over a month. I am cutting down on sugar and starches for now, not eliminating entirely, but eating less than before and more veggies:).

TBH, poptarts are completely overrated.

inb4negs

[mynameisuntz]

Buddhism. 100% serious.

[HunterCML]

TBH, poptarts are completely overrated.

inb4negs

Toaster Strudel > Poptarts

[juliacheh]

TBH, poptarts are completely overrated.

inb4negs

No negs, I prefer icecream now and my own homemade stuff, baking always relaxed me. But now as I said, cutting down on starches/refined sugar a bit.

[NaLLa8705]

ITT: Lvisaa2 writes another wall of text ErickStevens does not read.... lol




TBH, poptarts are completely overrated.

inb4negs

Repped....


srs. fuk poptarts... there not good nor were they EVER good

[juliacheh]

Nah, poptarts ARE good. I just don't feel like spending 1/5 of my daily CHO allowance on a freaking poptart that I eat in two bites.

[kwebbers]

wait, Julia's.....human?

:)

seriously though, I had similar issues this past may-july and I'm now back to where I started about year ago. but, you live you learn... you know what to do, just dont dwell on your mistakes - learn from them and dont let em happen again


<3<3<3

[kwebbers]

Toaster Strudel > Poptarts


i'm crushed

[juliacheh]

wait, Julia's.....human?



Thanks hun <3<3<3

[trance__dreamer]

Nah, poptarts ARE good. I just don't feel like spending 1/5 of my daily CHO allowance on a freaking poptart that I eat in two bites.

this is the only reason i don't eat 'em. lame. :@

[Andrew_S]

Switching up mini-goals now and then keeps me motivated. That could mean focusing on strength or more conditioning oriented training for a certain length of time. I'm the same way with motivational videos, quotes, or anything external like that...just doesn't move me.

[mannydawg]

Same thing happened to me late May early June. My motivation was non existent. I stopped working out and dieting and only now am I trying to get back into it. I tried to diet these last couple of weeks but I just don't have the motivation or drive to stick to it for more than a week. I am thinking of just focusing on gaining as much strength as possible. Because regardless of anything diet related I still Love to workout and have little trouble getting myself to the gym. I really don't care if I put on some more fat, as I don't think I can do that much more harm. But I don't think I'm quite ready to start dieting just yet. Like spicy said sometimes taking a break is probably your best bet.

[furywind]

I wake my ass up at 4am hating life for this first 30minutes thinking of reasons in my head as to why I should just go back to sleep instead of going to the gym, but I go because I know like the day before that once I'm in there doing work, I'm one step closer to my goal, I'm one day stronger then I was they day before.

I tell myself that all that I have sacrificed will not be for nothing!
I pay for my membership so I will not be wasting that money!
When I'm warming up on the treadmill before I train, I just think of my goals, the physique I'm trying to attain, the reasons why I'm at the gym in the first place, all the people who are nay-sayers/haters.. and go do work!

Throw the ear buds in, zone out of the world, and zone into your training.

I agree with Pug also, if nothing else, BACON will lead u to the promise land!!

i got motivated reading this .. i m at work but after reading this i want to hit the gym so bad.

[psychodiver9]

TBH, poptarts are completely overrated.

inb4negs

I agree. Bought some because all the love on here. Enjoy them but I'd rather have half a pint of BJ or some pb.

[ErickStevens]

OSYtQy9EqTA

myyWXKeBsNk

MPnudujlBZI

[PerpetualMotion]

Remember when that banana e-mail was going around and they said people who eat bananas have lower rates of depression? I eat one everyday and oh man it's like an orgasm in my mouth. It makes me feel like one special dude.

[ParsonBrown]

This thread has renewed my faith in the Nutrition section! Lot's of people we tend to think are out of this world turn out to be human.

Like someone else said earlier in the thread...it took me a long time to make this hobby for myself. When I started I needed to lose weight for my health and I did all of this in sort of a panic mode. A missed workout out or off meal would mess me up big time. To the point where I traveled with dumbbells in my trunk and plastic bags of food!

Finally I have started to enjoy myself and have never been better! The motivation and desire definitely has to come from within.

OT - I would neg this whole forum if I could because poptarts have come back into my house. My kids eat more pop tarts than dad does....fellsbadman! I love and hate them! ;)

Julia, thanks for sharing what so many of us are and/or will go through. I told my friend today that life is full of mountains and valleys. Why should we expect our workouts to be any different.

[NegatronPrime]

No pop-tarts? But Julia, how will you ever hit that world record deadlift now?! :(

Q."How do you deal with a motivational crisis?"

A.Read this thread and know that everyone in it is supportive of you.

[joelash302]

Remember when that banana e-mail was going around and they said people who eat bananas have lower rates of depression? I eat one everyday and oh man it's like an orgasm in my mouth. It makes me feel like one special dude.

Best one-liner potential ever.

[juliacheh]

I wish bananas did anything for me LOL.

Thanks, Nathan. I appreciate it, really.

[PerpetualMotion]

Julia, bananas are phallic. 'Nuff said. Haha


Best one-liner potential ever.

I aim to please.

[fad3d]

Something struck me yesterday - this forum has totally skewed at least my perspective on reality when it comes to fitness. Around here, I am almost embarrassed that I only dead lift 315 for sets of 4 or 5. But when I did that at the gym, "normal" people were stopping to watch me. I realized that 315 for reps is pretty good for the population, but I am so out of touch because of this place I am being way too hard on myself.

I appreciate that my standards are higher, but it was a reality check for me. It reminded me that I am doing pretty good even though I am in the teens for bf% with these annoying little lovehandles that i focus on every time I look in the mirror. I used to weigh 320 and was at like 28%. I am healthy and strong but around here I keep comparing myself to the guys that are 8% and dead lift 500 pounds. There might only be a handful but I keep taking myself down a notch because I'm not strongER or leanER.

Im not blaming this forum for anything, its been a huge help and motivator. I just think a reality check is in order for people like me that look in the mirror and pick out problems because we dont look "perfect." One can look fukin joocy without looking perfect, whatever that is. I have a hard time remembering that. I will keep working hard but holy smokes I need to be happy with myself! People dont look at me and think "Yeah he needs to drop a few %" or "he can only deadlift that much?" I am the ONLY person who thinks that.

End of rant, just wanted to put that out there. Had a mini-epiphany and thought someone else might get something out of it

[NegatronPrime]

Something struck me yesterday - this forum has totally skewed at least my perspective on reality when it comes to fitness. Around here, I am almost embarrassed that I only dead lift 315 for sets of 4 or 5. But when I did that at the gym, "normal" people were stopping to watch me. I realized that 315 for reps is pretty good for the population, but I am so out of touch because of this place I am being way too hard on myself.

I appreciate that my standards are higher, but it was a reality check for me. It reminded me that I am doing pretty good even though I am in the teens for bf% with these annoying little lovehandles that i focus on every time I look in the mirror. I used to weigh 320 and was at like 28%. I am healthy and strong but around here I keep comparing myself to the guys that are 8% and dead lift 500 pounds. There might only be a handful but I keep taking myself down a notch because I'm not strongER or leanER.

Im not blaming this forum for anything, its been a huge help and motivator. I just think a reality check is in order for people like me that look in the mirror and pick out problems because we dont look "perfect." One can look fukin joocy without looking perfect, whatever that is. I have a hard time remembering that. I will keep working hard but holy smokes I need to be happy with myself! People dont look at me and think "Yeah he needs to drop a few %" or "he can only deadlift that much?" I am the ONLY person who thinks that.

End of rant, just wanted to put that out there. Had a mini-epiphany and thought someone else might get something out of it

Im the same. I thought 340 was sh!t but tbh im not the biggest of people so it's ok for me lol. I don't get beat up when people can lift more than me. If that was the case id be sobbing every day because everyone lifts more than me o.O

[juliacheh]

Yeah, I am the same way.
I was so worried that I would go to Vegas "looking like sh.t" whereas in reality I still looked better than most of the people and even better than some models at the expo lol.
The same with lifting. I am always worried I am not doing enough.
I always said that once in a while we need a reality check because fitness boards do create higher standards and sometimes unrealistic expectations.

[sawoobley]

Something struck me yesterday - this forum has totally skewed at least my perspective on reality when it comes to fitness. Around here, I am almost embarrassed that I only dead lift 315 for sets of 4 or 5. But when I did that at the gym, "normal" people were stopping to watch me. I realized that 315 for reps is pretty good for the population, but I am so out of touch because of this place I am being way too hard on myself.

People thought I was hardcore when I was doing P90X and I hadn't ever squatted or deadlifted before. lulz. I knew better though.


Im the same. I thought 340 was sh!t but tbh im not the biggest of people so it's ok for me lol. I don't get beat up when people can lift more than me. If that was the case id be sobbing every day because everyone lifts more than me o.O

Not everyone bro. :o.

It doesn't matter though because newbie gains are the great equalizer. Brb - making mad gainz no matter what I do.

[ErickStevens]

Something struck me yesterday - this forum has totally skewed at least my perspective on reality when it comes to fitness. Around here, I am almost embarrassed that I only dead lift 315 for sets of 4 or 5. But when I did that at the gym, "normal" people were stopping to watch me. I realized that 315 for reps is pretty good for the population, but I am so out of touch because of this place I am being way too hard on myself.

I appreciate that my standards are higher, but it was a reality check for me. It reminded me that I am doing pretty good even though I am in the teens for bf% with these annoying little lovehandles that i focus on every time I look in the mirror. I used to weigh 320 and was at like 28%. I am healthy and strong but around here I keep comparing myself to the guys that are 8% and dead lift 500 pounds. There might only be a handful but I keep taking myself down a notch because I'm not strongER or leanER.

Im not blaming this forum for anything, its been a huge help and motivator. I just think a reality check is in order for people like me that look in the mirror and pick out problems because we dont look "perfect." One can look fukin joocy without looking perfect, whatever that is. I have a hard time remembering that. I will keep working hard but holy smokes I need to be happy with myself! People dont look at me and think "Yeah he needs to drop a few %" or "he can only deadlift that much?" I am the ONLY person who thinks that.

End of rant, just wanted to put that out there. Had a mini-epiphany and thought someone else might get something out of it

315 x 5? Do you even lift?






j/k brah. I actually have felt the same way when it comes to my physique. Posting in the Contest Prep section a lot can make you set your standards a little too high. It's a nice realization when you come to grips with the fact that you're stronger/leaner than 99% of the population.

[omgITZdno]

I had several of them already but this time it has come to a point where I actually hired someone for accountability and help. It feels so weird being helped after doing everything on my own for many months.
Motivational videos, positive mottos/slogans don't do sh.t for me except irritate or make me laugh.
Sick of trying to diet down (zero motivation) to acceptable leanness before starting a bulk. Five months essentially wasted already in terms of building muscle.

Just ask yourself....will you sacrifice to win?

[juliacheh]

Just ask yourself....will you sacrifice to win?

They said I had no chance...

[omgITZdno]

They said I had no chance...
Just watch his(Layne's) video over and over...if you don't get motivated...I'll send you a 5 gal tub of BJ...I mean B and J's...

[ven33]

Two words Julia. Fight Club.

NMisc Fight Club anyone? This could help Julia in the long run.

[2canman]

instead of sobbing over it, i'll try to make you laugh.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOWMtCGyl8U&feature=related

if this doesn't motivate you, i don't know what will.

[illiniStrive]

Two words Julia. Fight Club.

NMisc Fight Club anyone? This could help Julia in the long run.

you already broke the first rule

[ven33]

you already broke the first rule

Unpossible. That is so far from impossible that it is unpossible.

Why? Because it hasn't been established yet....muwahha

[juliacheh]

Just watch his(Layne's) video over and over...if you don't get motivated...I'll send you a 5 gal tub of BJ...I mean B and J's...

LOLOLOL.
Sorry I just laughed so hard.
No comment.

[sawoobley]

LOLOLOL.
Sorry I just laughed so hard.
No comment.

Somehow pieces of it would make a real cool gif. He gets pumped up!

[staunchkg]

Julia, to doubt say FU.