Sabotaging your Success

Are you subconsciously sabotaging your own success? This can occur when you reach higher levels than you have previously. Success, even when it’s expected can make you feel uncomfortable. If you have changed your body shape dramatically or reached higher levels of performance you may not be ready for the increased attention you receive. Many people experience this situation and some will subconsciously sabotage their own success. They feel it is easier to go back to being average and become wallpaper once again.

Mental preparation is therefore vital for continued success. Not only preparing for how you will look or feel once you have reached your goal but also how others will see you and how the extra attention will affect you. Prepare yourself to deal with everything in a positive manner and use it as motivation to push you forward.

Once you are prepared for the extra attention you won’t subconsciously sabotage yourself because you are uncomfortable with you new situation. This will allow you to set new goals and progress even further.

Successful Exercise

Successful exercise will only occur if you enjoy what you are doing. Trying to grind out a daily or weekly regime that doesn't interest you or help you feel better about yourself will only lead to dissatisfaction and stagnation. Studies have shown that people who exercise for 5 or more hours per weeks are more likely to be happy with their self image. Five hours seems like quite a bit of time to be doing something especially if you don't enjoy it.

Questions to ask yourself before starting are:
Do I prefer to train with a group or by myself?
Do I prefer fast or slow paced exercise?
Do I prefer a few long sessions or many quick sessions?
Do my exercise preferences match my exercise goals?

This last question is especially important. It's no good having the goal of being a good weightlifter if you much prefer to train like a marathon runner. Set up your goals based on what you enjoy and what you want to achieve rather than what you think you are expected to do. This is part of the process of individualisation. There are many different paths to health and fitness, pick the one that is most enjoyable for you.