Mental Strength!!!

I forgot about one very important kind of strength yesterday when I was going off on my rant about the subject; MENTAL STRENGTH.

This is maybe the most important strength of them all, and the most difficult to develop. How do you push through pain, disappointment, and fatigue when trying to reach your fitness goals. I hope I am not making this seem to dramatic but if you think about you encounter all of those things on your way to the top of Mt. Fitness.

I have seen a client break a finger climbing a rope and keep going (I wanted them to stop, but he was definitely in his zone), break down and cry in the middle of a workout, throw tires across the room in frustration all because of the pain, disappointment, and fatigue they encountered during their workout. I am not suggesting that you have to run through a brick wall before you can develop mental strength. However, I am asking how hard are you willing to work for it. What are you willing to sacrifice to look like the person you dream about, to break last year's half-marathon time, or just to be the best.

First things first, it takes time. You are not going to just walk into any arena of life 100% prepared for what is going to happen to you. As you encounter different challenges in the gym you will adjust, you will break down, then you will adjust again, and so on and so forth. Just like you are breaking down your muscles so that they can heal and come back stronger you have to allow your mind to endure the same process.

Secondly, dont take the process for granted. It is in the process that you learn about who your are and how you will respond to stressful situations. If you can hang tough and be diligent in a week when you only lose 1lb and continue to push through you will look up and see a week where you have lost 5 lbs. It is all about staying the course and appreciating every step of the process.

Finally, be realistic about your expectations. Exercise is not a miracle drug and done right it takes time to get you exactly where you want to be. Get rid of the reality tv mentality that says I am going to lose 20lbs this week but only go to the gym twice. It will not happen. Give yourself a year and set out 3 month goals. Give yourself something to look forward too and something to work towards. Otherwise you will be off the wagon in a matter of weeks.

That all being said, mental strength ultimately has to be gained. It will come through the ups and downs of your personal process. Embrace your process, stay focused on your goal, and work hard. Before you know it you will be a model of mental toughness and strength.

Be healthy, infinitely curious, and eternally grateful.

Micah Hayes