The key to upgrading your mindset in 2023 is to slow down!
Find the mindset to crush 2023
The key to upgrading your mindset in 2023 is to slow down.
I know, I know.. this sounds counterproductive when talking about fitness, but hear me out.
“Speed doesn’t matter. Forward is forward.”
We live in a world where immediate gratification is king. Everyone wants the quick fix, one-day delivery, instant cure, or get-rich-quick scheme. But that is exactly what those things are.. schemes, scams, shams, etc…
If you truly want to create a change in your fitness, you have to first accept that it won’t happen overnight and it does not need to. You have 365 days in this new year to put toward your goals, so take your time, be patient, and keep working because progress is progress.
The first step
The first step is finding just one thing you want to accomplish or achieve. I don’t mean climbing a mountain or doing a triathlon. I mean something small like completing your first pull-up, improving your mile time, or lifting 5 lbs more than you have before.
The biggest barrier for those who make fitness goals in the New Year is choosing a goal that is too big (i.e. lose 30 lbs, run a marathon, go to the gym 5 times a week). If people don’t see progress immediately, they get frustrated and give up.
Whether you have worked out all your life or never set foot in a gym, the key to any major fitness success it starting off with just one single, attainable goal. This will make it more likely that you will see the progress faster.
Snowball Effect
When you see progress toward smaller goals, it helps you stay motivated and consistent. This makes it easier to achieve each new goal. Once you achieve that first small goal, I find that for most people it begins the snowball effect.
That one success, no matter how small, feels great and you begin to wonder “What else can I do?”. With each achievement, the goals get a little bit more challenging, and the successes, more gratifying. Eventually, all those small achievements turn into major progress.
Reality Check
Now, making progress does not mean there won’t be setbacks. Injury, sickness, loss of motivation, and distractions may happen. All of these are normal, but many times people fail to get back on track when these things happen. In order to ensure that you do, don’t stop everything.
- If you get injured continue to work out other parts of your body if you can.
- If you don’t have time for a full workout, do a quick 15-minute run/bike, or 10 min HIIT at home.
- If you are sore or sick, go for a walk or stretch, instead of doing nothing at all.
- If you’re bored, switch up your routine. Take a yoga class, try boxing, go for a hike, etc..
Listen to your body (and doctor, if injured) but never just stop. There are always ways to modify or adapt your fitness routine.
Accountability
Consistency is the most important aspect to any success, but it is hard to stay consistent and push yourself on your own when it comes to fitness. It helps to have someone in your corner.
- Ask a friend to check in with you regularly to make sure you are keeping up with your training or even to be your workout buddy.
- If you want a little more accountability and guidance, hire a personal trainer or accountability coach to keep you on track and push your progress.
Finally, if you do fail to stay on track, that’s okay. Just don’t get in the habit of saying “Ehh, I’ll try again next year”.. Forgive yourself and start again immediately!
The Beauty Of Fitness Mindset
Fitness isn’t a one-time deal – you fail and you’re done.
That’s the beauty of fitness, you’re in control. You keep working, keep trying, and keep taking small steps forward. Trust the process and trust yourself, because there is no finish line or limits on how many chances you get.
Once you adopt this small goal, progress is progress mindset, nothing can stop you!
