Not reaching your goals

[tahinilove]

I was just wondering - when someone complains of not having reached their aesthetic goals/ambitions, what tends to be the main contender preventing them from doing so? Diet, training or just the overall time they have been at it for?

Random general question but just something that was on my mind!

[rockangel]

I was just wondering - when someone complains of not having reached their aesthetic goals/ambitions, what tends to be the main contender preventing them from doing so? Diet, training or just the overall time they have been at it for?

Random general question but just something that was on my mind!

I would say there are many things that *can* be the issue, but the top 3 I would say are

1) having unrealistic goals- either in terms of progress speed or overall unrealistic look for themselves

2) lack of consistency

3) lack of time in training.

Many times people want fast results with little effort, or follow the latest "trend" or fad (and this comes from working in a gym and talking to people, not just this site).

For myself, Im not to my goals yet, but i think i am much farther in than I was. But it has also taken a lot of time and effort, and when people ask what i do, many lose interest when i say "well over the last 5 years i have.....". People dont want to hear that it is all diet, exercise, and time. They seem to want me to tell them its all cardio and quest bars.

[bosgirlin09]

As a trainer, I think it's nutrition. Most people believe you can "diet" and still "tone". No one wants to gain weight to put muscle on. People spin their wheels trying to achieve 2 conflicting goals at the same time. This goes for many men too, I find.

[superja]

I would say there are many things that *can* be the issue, but the top 3 I would say are

1) having unrealistic goals- either in terms of progress speed or overall unrealistic look for themselves

2) lack of consistency

3) lack of time in training.

Many times people want fast results with little effort, or follow the latest "trend" or fad (and this comes from working in a gym and talking to people, not just this site).

For myself, Im not to my goals yet, but i think i am much farther in than I was. But it has also taken a lot of time and effort, and when people ask what i do, many lose interest when i say "well over the last 5 years i have.....". People dont want to hear that it is all diet, exercise, and time. They seem to want me to tell them its all cardio and quest bars.

Great post.

Everyone wants the pill that gives them instant results, when really ANYTHING important in life requires time, consistency and hard work. And likely messing up a few or a lot of times along the way.

[Paintballchick]

I'd say Diet is my biggest downfall. I have no idea why i seem to have trouble hitting my goals as far as macros but I always do. I can stay within the calories... but not as it should be. I am actually thinking on enlisting the help of an online trainer (any suggestions) to set me up on a routine and a meal plan. When I have something set in place I am pretty good and staying on track.

[tahinilove]

Really good points!

Rockangel & bosgirlin09 -I think the diet really links with the unrealistic goals and timing.

Paintballchick - I'm the same. If I follow my diet to a T I get where I want to be! I know what you mean, I'm considering an online trainer too. It's easier to stay focused and driven with someone by your side.

[thehobbes]

Diet, with general laziness coming in second, and a sprinkle of setting your expectations too high. Almost no one sticks it out with the diet, screw that part up and the rest falls apart with it. Humans are soooo lazy, everybody claims they don't have an hour a day 3x a week to do some exercise yet look at how much time everybody is spending online, watching tv, texting. And when things are progressing at all, it's slow, people are disappointed they don't get overnight results and say ahhh I'm still a fat fuk and give up. America of peace.

Now if you're talking about people who actually lift and are generally healthy, then I'd say bad programming or failure to understand nutrition.

[Ma110W]

I agree with everyone.

For me, diet. I wont stick to a cutting diet because I don't feel like I'm big enough yet, but I feel most people don't like the idea of bulking and do too many small bulks that never really result in muscle building.

Also, intensity. Some people really don't push themselves hard enough. I don't know if its because they think they cant lift as heavy as they actually can, or if they just don't want to put in the work.

Thirdly, misinformation. Mainly in the form of thinking that cardio is what you have to do to get to your goal. So many people run to lose weight, and will never believe that if they lift and follow their diet that they'll actually get to their goal faster.

[kimm4]

nutrition
a crappy program
not lifting heavy enough
constantly switching gears and changing things up
not staying consistent

[Madi-J]

Diet and being mega impatient. But mostly diet. I grew up with horrible eating habits, and some days are awful for trying to reform that sh*t.

[Michelle_Rose]

nutrition and consistency, of course, but unrealistic goals is the main to me.

other factors like stress and lack of sleep should be considered, but not used as an excuse. Sometimes, the plan on paper is perfect, but life happens, and we don't have a total control over our body.

like i said : not an excuse ! but not reaching a goal doesn't mean you have to beat yourself up.