I believe that the most common reason people fail in achieving their health and fitness goals is self-sabotage. By not really understanding what it takes to get what they want, by not knowing exactly what it is that they want or simply not being ready for change they commence a process of self-sabotage.
Self sabotage comes in a number of different forms, missing training, not eating to your meal plan, increasing portion sizes, avoiding training, reward eating after training etc What all of this boils down to is creating a space in our minds that we can fill with excuses in order to make ourselves feel better;
- I've had one bad meal now the day is ruined, I may as well continue to eat badly.
- I've already missed two training sessions this week, I'll start again next week.
- I have been training so hard this week, one fast food meal won't hurt.
- The other guys/girls at the gym are so much fitter than I am, I'm not going back.
If you have failed in an exercise program at some stage you have made one of these excuses or one similar. This is self-sabotage.
I believe the number one reason for self-sabotage is being unprepared to commence working toward your goal. You need to be ready and you need to be ready for the right reasons.
You can't do it for your partner, kids, family, job or even your doctor. You need to do it for YOU.
That's right not even your doctor; I have seen numerous people commence a training program because their doctor has told them too however not even the gravity of their doctor explaining to them the importance of changing their behaviour is powerful enough to effect change if the individual is unprepared to do so.
To avoid self-sabotage my advice is this:
- Be truly ready to change.
- Be prepared to make changes to facilitate this new lifestyle.
- Be aware that some days will not be easy and that struggle is part of the path to success.
Finally you need to understand that this result will not happen immediately – it will take time. Trust the process and work through it!
If you can achieve these keys you will be most equip to avoid self-sabotage and get the results you deserve!