Here’s the hard truth: Many people who start a workout plan or a new diet for the first time fail. They’ll stick to it for a couple days—maybe a couple weeks—feel good, then start to slip little by little until they’re over it. One skipped workout turns into two, one cheat meal turns into an entire cheat day. Why? It’s most likely not the plan or the diet, but the personality traits of the individual following the plan and/or diet. Those that make successful transformation share these:
Inspiration and focus
Whether it’s a physical or emotional transformation, the very first step is to actually want to change. It can’t come from a friend, a family member, doctor, coach, etc. Those people can influence and encourage change, but the true desire needs to come from within. They wake up every morning, look themselves in the mirror, and say, ‘This is my time. I’ve got this!’
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Drive and discipline
Workouts can be fun and enjoyable, but the reality is they are called workouts for a reason, they’re work. To the successful ones, workouts aren’t optional. They’re not flexible. They don’t really let life get in the way. If they work 60 hours per week, have two kids, a partner, and a dog, they’re still finding time for their own health and fitness. The same idea applies for diet and nutrition. They don’t have to answer every single craving and they can turn down the greasy lunch option for something leaner, and ultimately more satisfying. They know that working in indulgences comes later, once they’ve learned to master how their bodies operate on food.
Can’t figure out diet? Read our piece on how intuitive eating is harder than it sounds.
Patience and perseverance
No transformation comes overnight. Depending on the goal, it could take several months or even years. Often, there is some early success in the first couple of weeks, then progress continues, but at a much slower pace. Sometimes, progress completely stalls and the plan needs to be reworked. Those that are successful understand that possibility but know to persevere.
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