Have you made a New Year’s Resolution to get in better shape? Are you the kind of guy who doesn’t mind the physical activity but doesn’t like all the attention that may come if you suddenly start running, cycling, and taking regular trips to the gym? I’m with you–I don’t care much for other people watching my every move either–especially when they start to pester me with questions.
“Why do you do that?” “Who told you that was a good idea?” “Are you out of your mind?!?!” These are basic questions we’ve all been asked in life. However, fitness enthusiasts and triathletes are asked those questions nearly every day. They are asked this because they are dedicated to a process that many observers find hard and difficult.
As we all know every person who has set a goal whether large or small has a reason for doing it. The reasons may be complicated; however the secret is not making the end goal complicated. When taking on an extremely difficult task, such as an exercise routine, one can expect some people to not be supportive or to simply doubt your potential.
People may not be dedicated to an exercise plan themselves and reflect that onto you. Thus, they try to pull you down to feel better about themselves. The key then is to not let anyone’s negativity get into your head. You have to commit yourself to your routine regardless of what others think.
Here are seven tips to help boost your confidence and keep your eyes on the prize:
(1). Feel proud that someone is taking interest in your healthy lifestyle. On many occasions triathletes clam up in embarrassment when asked about their lifestyle as they don’t want to make anyone feel lazy or bad about themselves.
(2). Every time someone asks you why you are doing such an extreme goal as a triathlon, pretend they are telling you to go for it and never give up. Switch it around and find the positive. Being questioned can become your motivation–even if to just prove them wrong.
(3). Keep a picture on your office wall (if allowed) of your favorite athlete. Visit their personal website often to learn how they train and if they will be competing in a race near you. Personally, I find Lance Armstrong’s dedication inspiring–especially with all the extreme difficulties he overcame to become the supreme athlete that he is today.
(4). Train with a friend. Perhaps they have a similar fitness goal you can contribute to in some way. Sometimes just talking about how grueling your training is to someone who can understand is a huge relief.
(5). Join a local triathlon club and ask questions until you have every answer you feel you need to do your best.
(6). Eat right. The worst thing you can do is to combine a good exercise routine with a poor diet.
(7). Join a gym. Let the membership dues keep you accountable. Remind yourself that you want to receive your money’s worth out of your monthly dues. Did you know the average health club member visits their gym 90 days a year?
Staying dedicated isn’t easy for even the seasoned athlete. Do you keep a training log? Make sure to invest in one and jot down all your workouts and future goals. Set a date in the future and make that goal. When accomplished, you can share all the knowledge with your friends.
On the days you lose all hope, think of all the great days of training you put in that week. If you exercised twice in one day, reflect on your accomplishments–any accomplishments. Each step of progress–no matter how small–is one step closer to your ultimate goal. It is the small steps in life that add up to a much longer path that leads to success.
There’s a famous saying that reads “when no one is asking what you’re doing then what you are doing is not that important.”
Original Article by John Forberger
Edited by Admin.
Original article source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Forberger
