Overcoming mental barriers

People are so quick to tell you how to do something, when to do it and what to do.

You have to workout.

You have to build mental resilience.

Which is true ofc you do. But what I’ve found in my experience, nobody tells you how hard its going to be.

The reality of it is, this shit takes time. it always has.

So you can soon find yourself full of doubt, and asking is it worth it?

Like working out is hard for someone who isnt used to TAKING the time to do it.

It isnt as simple as slapping on some lycra or gym shorts and going to the gym.

The truth is most people who want to lose weight have such low self esteem and confidence, it is like jumping in a pool when you dont know how to swim.

Sure when you manage to get to the gym it is nowhere near as bad as your mind has you thinking.

But its getting there.

And i wish i could say its as easy as saying “MaN Up aNd GEt oN WiTh IT”

But F%#k that noise.

So here is how you can start your journey of self confidence and health.

Set 3 micro goals, for example i try and do 100 pushups and 100 situps a day.

(I am currently in pain with my shoulder and back, so i have had to stop this week and im starting to feel the mental side affects of it… they arent good)

Set your goals to your experience level, not too crazy but just enough to make you uncomfortable.

When you complete it, take note of how you feel.

IT will be somewhere between excitement and pride.

It is a little bit like learning to swim, you start in the shallow end and work your way up to the deep end.

Once you get used to completing your goals, go ahead and add more reps, do different exercises.

Fun fact: A day on Venus is longer than a year – Venus has a very slow axis rotation, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation, but only about 225 Earth days to complete one orbit around the sun.

In Today’s 4-3-2-1:

• 4 prompts to make you reflect on your journey.

• 3 ways to Integrate More creativity in your life

• 2 affirmations to make you stick to your s%!t

• 1 thing I have discovered this week.  

Playlist of the week: Get into FLOW with this playlist

4 Journal Prompts:

1. What specific thoughts or fears stop you from starting a new workout routine? How can you reframe those thoughts into positive motivations?

   • Example: Fear of failing, and turning it into a challenge to see progress.

   • Example: Feeling overwhelmed, and breaking it down into small, manageable steps.

   • Example: Worry about judgment, and focusing on personal growth instead.

2. Reflect on a past experience where you overcame a significant mental barrier. What strategies did you use that you can apply to your fitness journey?

   • Example: Facing a fear of public speaking and how preparation helped.

   • Example: Overcoming a setback at work and how perseverance paid off.

   • Example: Learning a new skill and the importance of consistent practice.

3. How does achieving physical fitness goals influence other areas of your life, such as your mental health, relationships, and work performance?

   • Example: Improved mood leading to better interactions with loved ones.

   • Example: Increased energy levels boosting productivity at work.

   • Example: Enhanced self-confidence spilling over into social situations.

4. Imagine yourself six months from now having stuck to a fitness routine. How do you feel, what has changed, and what has this journey taught you about yourself?

   • Example: Feeling stronger and more confident.

   • Example: Gaining a deeper understanding of discipline and commitment.

   • Example: Seeing the positive impact on overall well-being and happiness.

3 Questions to add Creativity to your life:

1. What new hobby or activity have you always wanted to try but never made time for? How can you start integrating it into your life?

   • Example: Painting or drawing.

   • Example: Learning to play a musical instrument.

   • Example: Writing a short story or poem.

2. How can you change your daily routine to make space for creative thinking and activities?

   • Example: Setting aside 15 minutes each morning for journaling.

   • Example: Dedicating time in the evening to brainstorm new ideas.

   • Example: Taking a different route to work to stimulate new thoughts.

3. What environment or setting helps you feel the most creative, and how can you spend more time in that environment?

   • Example: Spending time in nature or a park.

   • Example: Creating a cozy and inspiring space at home.

   • Example: Visiting museums or art galleries for inspiration.

2 Affirmations:

• "Every small step I take towards my goals brings me closer to a healthier, stronger me."

• "I am capable of overcoming any mental barriers and embracing a lifestyle of resilience and strength."

1 thing from my week:

It turns out, i really REALLY like Harry Potter. ME and my partner are currently going through them all.

Which one is your favourite?

Stay positive, Stay confident, Believe in yourself.

Your friend,

Robbo ‘The PVC Chief’ Blades

Quotes to Ponder

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." – Mahatma Gandhi

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." – C.S. Lewis