We’re living in an era where all the information we need is just a click away.
We’ve got access to countless fitness influencers, thousands of meal plans, and hundreds of thousands of workout routines. If you’re not on Instagram yet you are looking for the most core-crunching gonna-make-you-sweat session, good luck finding one.
But despite all this information and access, the obesity rate in the world’s population is at an all-time high. One should think that with all the knowledge available, humanity is making all the healthier choices and finally getting in great shape. But that’s just not the case. The real question is why?
Why are we not following the advice we find on Dr Google or our social feed?
The answer lies in where our focus lies. These days, we are so consumed by the latest exercise fads, trendy gym wear, gadgets, and new weight loss diets that we have forgotten about the most crucial aspects of health and fitness, like planning, organisation, implementation, and goal-setting.
These may not be the most exciting aspects, but they are vital.
Perhaps it all boils down to what is sexy and trendy. Seeking health and fitness advice is like watching a mesmerising fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. One firework explodes in the sky, and we’re wowed by it. We’re fixated on it, until another one comes along, with a bigger bang and brighter colours, and suddenly we forget about the first firework.
The same goes for the health and fitness industry. There’s always a trendier, sexier, and easier way to eat, sleep, or train, and we’re all in awe of its brilliance, until the next shiny object comes along, and we forget about the old one.
How many trendy diets and fitness plans have we seen flood our social media feeds? From KETO and OMAD to Intermittent Fasting, TRX, Booty Builders, juice detoxes, 10-minute abs, and even 5-minute HIIT workouts. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with these plans, and many people have achieved great results by following them. But for most people, they’re just hopping from one trend to another without seeing any significant progress.
Believe it or not, the solution to your problem is not that hard. A way forward that doesn’t involve just being negative, stubborn and unmotivated.
It is fairly simple: shift your focus.
Instead of chasing after every new health and fitness trend out there, focus on the nuts and bolts of implementation, organisation, planning, and goal setting. It may not sound like the most thrilling thing in the world, but nothing is as close to the truth as this written secret. It is the key to achieving long-term success and the results anyone is after.
Forget about those five-step processes or myths holding you back. Lured into the marketing trap of going to build a lifestyle that supports your health and fitness goals when something flashy pops up. It does not work and those who have tried now affirmingly shake their heads.
It all starts with knowing your why and setting your sights on your goals.
What do you really want to achieve with your health?
I mean, really?
Is it a six-pack to impress that special someone? A bikini body to catch the eye of your crush? Do you want to feel more energetic and focused so you can crush it at work and home? Or maybe you want to boost your confidence and build some momentum? Or perhaps you just want to shed some pounds and get in better shape so you can live a longer pain-free life?
Take a moment to think about it because your answer will determine the level of commitment you need to make. If you’re after that six-pack or Baywatch body, then you need to be strict and consistent with your workouts and nutrition. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But if you’re looking to feel better, get in decent shape, and boost your energy, you can afford to be a little more flexible. This is called the MED (Minimum Effective Dose) approach.
What’s the least you can do to get the best results?
The main thing to remember is that you need to choose your sacrifices carefully.
But sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just can’t seem to get there. That leap of faith, that first step is to figure out what’s holding us back. And for too many of us, it’s our nutrition. We’re doing all the right things, but our eating habits just aren’t in sync with our workouts. Or maybe it’s our sleep, or our posture, or our form. Whatever it is, we need to narrow it down to the 5% that’s going to get us 95% of the results.
So, what’s holding you back? Is it a limiting belief, like thinking you have a slow metabolism or that you’ve always been overweight? Once you have that lightbulb moment, things start to fall into place. Things don’t just magically fall into place. You have to put them there. It’s like playing Tetris – if you put things in the right place, you’ll get more points. But if you just let things fall where they may, it’s game over.
That’s where time blocking and planning come in. Take some time on a Sunday to plan out your week.
When are you going to work out?
What are you going to eat?
When are you going to go shopping?
What do you want to achieve this week?
You can use a timetable or try bullet journalling (if you don’t know what that is, just ask the almighty Dr Google). When you plan and prepare, you set yourself up for consistent long-term progress. And let’s be real, that’s what we’re all really after, right?
So, the next time you come across a fitness program or a nutrition guide, don’t just dive right in. Ask yourself, “How can I implement this into my life?” Find what works for you, and stick with it.
There’s nothing trendy or sexy about consistency, but it’s the key to success.
Very occasionally, if you pay really close attention, life doesn’t suck. | Joss Whedon
