Train your mind; your body will follow.

I often talk to my clients about how impactful their attitude and outlook can be on their success. If they walk into a diet, or workout, already traumatized by how hard it’s going to be; they’ve already failed.

It is impossible to “white knuckle” a life change.

Your brain becomes so fixated on all the things you can’t have and all the things that are so hard to do, that you lose sight of the multitude of things that you CAN HAVE and CAN DO.

Thus, you begin the descent into depression, deprivation, and denial.

You should never feel like the victim of your own story.

It’s self-defeating and demoralizing to say the least.

Instead, you should be focused. Plan the attack, and fight for your goals! The moments that often seem the worst are often the ones you manufacture in your mind.

Have you ever walked into the gym, hit your work out, and felt like you really owned it?

That is merely a positive outlook, coupled with proper planning. Contrarily, have you ever walked into the gym and felt like your workout hit you? That is simply poor planning, and overreaching.

When reality collides with intent we start to crumble.

In those moments, it’s important to take a deep breath, find perspective, remember your goal, and maintain a positive outlook.

• Journal your “why” as well as how you’re feeling in the moment.
• Visualize what success will mean for you.
• Focus on the progress you’ve already made, no matter how small it might seem.
• Perform one small task in service of your goal. (Put the cookie down!)

The greatest and most indelible changes aren’t the ones that come easy.

Bear in mind that no life overhaul is easy; nor is it instantaneous. Lasting change stems from digging into the depths of your cognition and emotion. Forcing yourself through the muck and sludge of years of self-abuse and neglect.

It’s not pretty, it doesn’t always feel good, but facing it head-on improves your entire life.

• Competence
• Confidence
• Capability

You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.

Remember, every race begins and with a single step.

Good luck and Stay Buff!

-Elizabeth