Everyone has heard the famous quote “consistency is key” and I know that some people think it’s overdone, I couldn’t agree more. But we all accept that it’s true. Once you build consistency in whatever you are striving for it almost becomes second nature to do that task.
Going to the gym and lifting has become second nature to me. The consistency took me a while to build and it was a lot of trial and error but that is how you learn about your strengths and weaknesses.
Here are some things that I have learned about myself through my year of consistently lifting:
#1: Not Every Workout Is Going To Be The Same
There are days when I have an ample amount of energy and have a great workout. Then there are days when I walk into the gym thinking I am going to have an amazing workout but I don’t. There is nothing that discourages me more than that. But then I take it upon myself to remember to not over-exert my body.
If I feel fatigued then I decide at that moment to make it a lighter workout so I can give my body some rest but still keep it moving.
I have also learned that lifting is a mind game. I have noticed in the past that when I overthink if I can get a weight up, it normally follows a cycle of me not being able to. I have a clear mind and encourage myself I tend to get it up. But of course, there are also days when I am confident I can lift the weight and it just doesn’t happen no matter how hard I try.
Every day is not the same and through the course of my lifting journey, I have learned the patterns that help me be successful and how to combat my weaknesses.
#2: Body Dysmorphia Is A B**ch
Everyone has experienced the evil of body dysmorphia. Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more flaws in your appearance. Personally, I love my body because it helps support me in everything I do. My body allows me to lift, walk, run and jump without any issue, and for that, I am truly blessed.
But I can’t help to compare my body to not only others but also myself. I tend to take pictures after most workouts to save as progress pictures and every so often I catch myself looking at them to pinpoint what I like and don’t like about my body.
For example, the other day I took progress pictures and just stared at them for a couple of minutes comparing one part of my body to the other. I had to stop because I was getting too consumed in pointing out everything I didn’t like. It’s an endless cycle that I know many other people also experience.
But I always remember that my body has never failed me. It allows me to do the everyday tasks, lift heavy and gives me signals when I need my rest. I have learned that I have to nurture and care for my body the way it deserves to be treated.
#3: It’s Not About Motivation It’s About Discipline
Motivation is defined as “the general desire or willingness of someone to do something”. While discipline is defined as “training that corrects, molds or perfects the mental faculties or moral character”. When people first begin in the gym they tend to be really motivated, but that motivation tends to only last a few days or weeks.
That is the problem with motivation, it does not last for a long time. When it comes to discipline you are molding your habits to build character. Since I slowly started building discipline in the gym the consistency came along with it.
Discipline and consistency go hand in hand and that is something I have learned. I changed my mindset from “I have to go to the gym today” to “I want to go to the gym today”. I love how it makes me feel and I love the accomplishment I feel after every workout.
Although I am only one year into consistently lifting there are still plenty more things I have yet to learn. I see myself continuing my lifting journey and I am excited to see how much I can challenge myself and the strength I will continue to build.
What are some things in your life that you are consistent with? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU