One thing I've learned over the years is that it's not legs, chest, back, arms, etc. that you need to give first priority to. It's the mind.
I've learned that building a muscular physique is ultimately an inner battle that is only won by those who possess a strong, positive mindset. Something many of us struggle with, including myself. You would think after all these years I'd learn a thing or two.
But here's the thing... If you don't believe you can achieve the body that you desire, then you WON'T achieve it. If you don't know how to get yourself motivated and stay motivated, you're virtually guaranteed to fail.
There are many powerful ways to condition your mind for success, and if you bear with me I'll give you one of my favourite ways with the goal that it might help someone that is considering throwing in the towel.
I want to share with you the techniques of
Visualization and
Verbalization, and how you can use these techniques to your advantage. This isn't science fiction fairytale fluff either... this is real-life stuff that has been proven to produce real, positive muscle-building results.
Here is what I want you to do?
1) Clearly define exactly the shape you want to be in. Don't just say "I want to be in better shape." That's too vague. What do you really want? Is it to be in the best shape in your town, school, for you age group, to have a chiseled chest, canonball delts, etc.? Be specific. Specific goals give you better results. Create a clear image of the shape you want to be in.
2) Picture that shape in your "mind's eye." Close your eyes. Eliminate any distractions around you. Relax, and breathe deeply.
I want you to visualize the body that you ultimately want to achieve. I'm not talking about a vague, fuzzy picture of a body that would "be nice to have." I'm talking about a well-defined, crystal clear depiction of the exact physique that you are going to build.
Look at your new body from the third person perspective, that is, from someone else's point of view. Imagine your new physique from the front, and then slowly rotate it in your mind so that you can see it from every angle.
You must focus on details here.
You must see everything exactly how you want it to look from your chest to your shoulders to your back to your legs. Lock that image in your brain and focus intensely on it. Now in one quick, explosive movement, transport yourself into that body. Sounds silly, but just do it.
You are now experiencing your new physique from the first person, looking through its eyes. Look down at your muscles and see them as if they are yours. Feel them. Flex them. Experience them. Imagine that you're looking in the mirror and seeing a reflection of this new body. Try to make this visualization process feel as real as possible.
Now, hold that image...
3) Verbalize It. Keep your eyes closed. Continue to visualize your new body and the feelings that are associated with it. Focus very hard on it.
Now I want you to take all of those positive thoughts and feelings you are experiencing, and verbalize them. You may find this embarrassing to do, but this a very important part of the entire process.
I want you to say out loud everything that you are experiencing and make sure to say it as if it has already come true. Don't just say it, believe it.
It might sound something like this?
"My body is thick, muscular, defined and strong. I have massive shoulders, a thick, chiseled chest, gigantic, vascular arms and a ripped, 6-pack stomach. My legs are like tree trunks; wide and powerful, and my calves protrude like footballs. I feel strong, powerful and confident."
By clearly visualizing your goals, experiencing the feelings of reaching them, and then verbalizing them with concrete words, you will literally create a surge of emotion-producing chemicals within your body. This surge will help to physically reaffirm your goals and will always remind you of why you are putting in the work that you'll be putting in.
You should repeat this process at least once a day (or as often as you'd like) so that you never lose sight of you what you are trying to accomplish, and so that you always keep your mind on the right track.
If you simply brush this technique off and believe that it won't help you, you are sadly mistaken. Visualization and verbalization are two of the most widely used motivational techniques around and are utilized by virtually all of the top success coaches in the world.
That's all there is to it. The choice is yours. Before you even pick up a weight you should exercise your mind.
<end of pep talk>
Exercise for the most important muscle!
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