post competition loss of motivation / goals

fitncute2 · 08-01-2009, 04:31 PM

(history) competed NPC figure-- did 6 shows w/in 12 month time period....did well, always placed anywhere from 1st-4th (even @ inaugural Arnold Am.!) always stayed, listened to and followed the judges critique advice in prep. for the next show...UNTIL my last show-after they chaged "the look" for figure--into a softer look. I did pooly, and was very dissatisfied w/ not only the new look, lack of clear judging criteria but mostly my physique! I haven't competed in over a year, due to the frustration and disappoinment w/ everything--and feel totally lost and depressed since! By no means have I let my physique go-- I'm a personal trainer and group fitness instructor full time. I stay anywhere from 9%-12.5% bf year-round, but now have lost my drive to hit the gym floor. This has been in the past3months or so--I continue to teach my classes, but am finding it harder to motivate myself like I used to. I have found new "projects" to do in the yard, etc. which I enjoy--and did NOT do while competing, but something is "missing" and I'm trying to find my way back to what I know is "me"...I do watch the results, to see what they are looking for now-- with the new bikini division now added; but STILL don't see any consistency w/ judging...until then, I don't feel the urge to throw my hat in the ring (spend the $) and feel completely lost w/out that ! -- I mean not only the workouts, but I don't log my diet on a regular basis (not eating a lot of crap, but tracking protein etc) ....not sure what happened....any comments, suggestions or support is greatly appreciated :-)

DanTheManB · 08-02-2009, 05:02 AM

Just take time off. Relax and eat "normal" and go to work and stay busy with hobbies. Write your feelings down and maybe a training routine for the future...but that would be all I'd do training-wise. Go for easy walks. You got into this sport originally cause u had a passion for it. Trust me that will never go away. But like anything you can overdo it. So take a break

CFranzen1 · 08-02-2009, 01:41 PM

I think maybe you should ask yourself, why did you compete in the first place? Was it for you or something else? Be careful on what judges will tell you! You are right it seems so subjective to what each judge believe's to be the "look" for figure. Take what you believe will help you become successful and others maybe with a grain of salt. Not every judge will have the right answer, but it's good to still ask.

Sometimes it's good just to get back to basics. Right down your thoughts and great memories when you were on stage, what happened backstage, your journey through each competition and maybe even what you would have changed, either way it would help to find your renewed strength and maybe even some lessons that you didn't expect to learn about yourself.