I always try to stray away from cliche. None of us want to hear the same phrase repeated to us from person to person or from post to post. Confidence isn’t so easy to come by but it’s possible for all of us. It just takes a reflective moment and consciousness of what matters for you to be able to chip away at that barrier.
Some days you’ll feel unstoppable. Others you’ll feel as if the wall didn’t just keep you from moving forward, but it tipped over and crushed you. But your job is to get back up.
If You Conquer Your Mind, You Will Conquer Your World.
There are different variations of this quote but this one is my favorite. I first heard it from David Goggins. He’s too intense for some people and just right for many. I like him a lot and I appreciate his story and the lesson he teaches his fan base. Goggins was over 300 pounds at one point in his life until he decided to turn it around. He’s has accomplished more than just becoming a Navy Seal and running 100 miles in less than 24 hours but I wouldn’t be able to name them all.
When I heard him say this I added it to my belt. I had an additional perspective on how I should view my wins and losses every day mentally.
After reading the two scenarios below, I want you to close your eyes for a few seconds and picture yourself in the moment I’m describing. I’ll be the vulnerable one here and share my emotions in the moment, don’t worry.
Scenario 1. Today is the day. You’re going to start taking your weight and your health seriously. It’s the middle of the year, that “Monday” you were finally going to start on finally came. You’re driving down to the local park or beach boardwalk. You’re going to power walk if you have to. Do a couple laps around and go home.
Scenario 2. You found the confidence to sign up for a gym membership whether it be today or last month (last year maybe?). Nevertheless it’s time to start going. You pull into a parking spot. The plan is to hop on the treadmill, elliptical or bike and then lift some weights. You watched some youtube videos to get you started.
Take the time to soak in the moment. I’ll tell you how you’re not alone. Although our scenarios won’t be exactly the same, maybe not even close, you’ll know you’re not alone.
Scenario 1: When I first started running, I ran through my neighborhood for the first month and a half. I wanted to run at the beach but there were too many people. When I finally decided I would drive over to the boardwalk it was Ten O’clock at night. Tired after work. I pulled into my parking spot and made sure I had everything I needed. I had my phone, ear buds and I wore the wrong sneakers. But it was okay. These sneakers would be okay this one time.
It was very dark. Not many people occupied the boardwalk thankfully. There were some runners, joggers, walkers and some just standing against the rails listening to the water. It took me ten minutes to start the run. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the distance because my cardio wasn’t all that great. The distance itself isn’t important. All in all, I played my music and blocked out all external distractions the best I possibly could. When I came to the tail end of the run I was surprised at how much energy I had left. I picked up the pace. I distracted myself by sprinting past five dim light posts and jogging another ten. Some distractions are good. By the time I was a football field away from the end I gave it my all. I ran as fast as possible. I didn’t care anymore…that day. It took some confidence building along the way but I did it.
Running along the boardwalk with runners everywhere would have discouraged me that’s why I went at night. Slowly building my confidence. But this is only one way. I’ll explain in another blog post how not to care what people think of you.
Scenario 2. I pull up to the gym and stare into the windows. How many people are working out? Is there any cradio equipment available? How many people are lifting weights? Are there any guys in there jacked to the gills that are going to judge me? I get in. Headphones in and find any cardio machine for my warmup. It’s a brand new gym to me so I’m uncomfortable. I see some muscled up guys near the weights. I need to go there for my strength training.
What if I’m too weak around them and I embarrass myself?
Warm up over. I head over and begin my workout. I’m so distracted by what they would think of me on the bench press that I lifted the weight incorrectly. A weight I’ve lifted for several reps before. It came down and sat on my chest. One of the gorillas ran over and pulled it up for me. I was humiliated. I thanked him and continued the workout for the night staying as far away from them and anyone else who caught a glimpse of my mishap. I was embarrassed. Now every time I come around these people they’re going to remember me as the guy who lifted more weight than he should have. But they don’t understand I’ve lifted it before easily, I need to prove it to them. But why? What does it matter now?
I kept going to the gym and eventually became the person people went to when they needed a spotter because I had the strength now. I wasn’t like those muscled up guys but I didn’t quit. I proved to myself and to the others that watched me fail, that I could get back up and push onward.
Wrap up – I can tell you many stories. My severe social anxiety was conquered by conquering my mind. Getting those little wins every day. It still bothers me time to time but the only way to conquer it is by using it to your advantage which I’ll explain in another post.
I hope you got something out of at least one of the two scenarios.
If you don’t have your health, you have nothing.
Let’s go back to the original quote “If you conquer your mind, you can conquer your world”. Your mind is stopping you from doing what you need to do. What you want to be able to do. What you should do. It’s your health after all. If you don’t have your health, you have nothing.
Take a win today. Do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Don’t let your mind win. Instead of sitting down on your couch or finding an excuse by taking a second shift at work, go do your workout. Even if it’s at home. Walk a mile outside. A brisk walk. Get a small win today. I never said it was going to be easy, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you feel with it. The more people begin to compliment you on your weight loss and muscle gain. Your confidence starts to build and continues building every day.
Its possible if YOU allow it to be possible. You need to conquer your mind. If you let your mind rule you, you’ll never be able to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Take charge and say no. Say no to your anxieties and that little voice in your head saying “ I can’t”.
You can do whatever it is you want to do. The only one that’s stopping you, is you, if you let your mind win. You can be the master of your body and mind or you can be the slave. Do you really want something else to control your life instead of yourself?
Be Active Daily 