When it comes to fitness goals, the essential aspect of pulling through to meet them is always to have the right mindset. The United States Navy SEALs swear by the power of the mind, which has created the world’s most elite combatants out of the candidates who graduate the rigorous training course. Whether it is the exposure to cold waters in Coronado or starting a small health goal, the concept stays the same. 

Our minds are conditioned to tap out when we feel any sort of pain, whether it is physical or mental. This pain is why people do not like to push themselves when things get uncomfortable, and it is similar to when a workout hurts or when the dieting just doesn’t feel enjoyable anymore. A holistic health coach will tell you that in any fitness endeavor, progress comes from conditioning the mind to react differently, and here are three mindset blocks that many people face:

 

• Convincing Yourself that Failure Is Inevitable

 

Suppose you’ve read somewhere that there will be a time and place in your journey where you’ll plateau and not get anywhere near your goals. Many of those who enroll in weight loss programs start motivated but end up slipping when things seem not to work. However, the program doesn’t fail because it wasn’t meant to be; it is likely a mix of many things. Sometimes, it wasn’t a fit for a person’s goals, or it didn’t play into how well a person can actually perform an activity. 

Weight loss programs are never one-size-fits-all, and thinking that something is doomed to fail before even starting is already the end of things. Failure is inevitable in some instances, but these failures are on a micro-scale, such as not pushing through a workout one day. However, when you convince yourself to convert “failures” into “off-days,” plenty will change in terms of your mindset in achieving goals, and any great holistic health coach knows this is true. 

 

• You Think There Isn’t Enough Time

 

Today’s world has limited time to do everything. Jobs are more demanding, traffic is worsening, hobbies are more enjoyable, and many other daily activities that take up time. Some even have the added stress of being a parent to young children. However, what helps get people moving forward with fitness goals is breaking down their days into a working schedule that includes healthy lifestyle changes. 

Even without time to hit the gym or see a health and wellness coach, you might be able to add a walk around the block or change up your diet to shed a few pounds for the time being. Fitness isn’t always related to running over a mile each morning at 4 o’clock before work because it starts with even the smallest lifestyle changes. 

 

• Your Goals are Too Overwhelming and In the Wrong Direction

 

While it can be nice to look ahead and picture yourself plenty of pounds lighter with your new weight loss program, it is never a good idea to go over-the-top with goals. Setting an end goal of being a specific weight is helpful, but setting smaller goals like going up to your apartment using the stairs and not being tired or other easily attainable goals will help. When you achieve smaller victories, these continue to keep you motivated and contribute to the bigger picture overall. 

It might also pay to set goals related to things like wanting more energy to play with your kids or even shed a few pounds to be able to hike like you were a few years younger again. These are all admirable objectives to have and feel great to accomplish as time goes by. 

Conclusion

When it comes to fitness goals and weight loss programs, most of the progression comes from conditioning the mind to be more powerful against negative thoughts. Being mentally tough and persevering even when progress seems to stop and continuously fighting forward is when real gains come from exercising. With a great holistic health coach, you can meet goals at your own pace and with safety in mind. 

Meg Parker is an intentional health coach who works with various clients to suit their individual fitness and health needs. Improve your life by starting with an active lifestyle today, and you will thank yourself tomorrow. Contact me to get an idea of how to start making changes, and let’s work together!