Now, now, now! That’s what is repeating in the minds of most skinny guys who are trying to put on some weight and build muscle. So much of the world provides instant gratification (the internet, television, junk food…) that the simple of waiting is becoming demonized.
This is bad.
“Good things come to those who wait” is the cliche that every ectomorph needs to embrace and start thinking for the long term. In this way the process of strength building and fitness in general can be enjoyed. And that’s what really matters. When something is fun you do it for the sake of it, and as a result, experience the benefits of that activity.
But I know how big of a mental shift this can be. I’ve been impatient with plenty of things in my life, and it’s certainly an ongoing struggle, but here are a few starting points to be content with the journey towards not being skinny:
- Re-visualize. What is the end goal? What will you look like? Feel like? Be like? Every day come back to these questions. Write down your answers and hold tight to these desires. Understand with immense clarity what it is you’re going for. When the destination genuinely matters to you, you’ll be satisfied with the eventual arrival, and less overwhelmed with the path itself.
- Focus on the actions. When you’re doing a pull, only be doing a pull up. That sounds weird, but what I mean is don’t preoccupy your mind with the end goal while you’re in the middle of taking action. “Zone in” on every rep you complete and every set you begin. In this way you’re able to deliberately take each step, one by one, instead of forever trying to calculate the best possible step to take or whether or not you’re doing things perfectly.
- Trust. Impatience is often a sign of uncertainty or, more specifically: doubt. When something is 100% going to happen by X time and date, it’s just a matter of sitting back and waiting, or going through the motions. Sure, you may be a bit impatient, but it’s not crippling to the goal you’ve set for yourself. Find a diet, set of routines and habits that you truly believe in. Be certain that you’re doing what you need to be doing.
And as a final point, I want to clarify that patience is not idleness. Embracing the long term mindset is not about just waiting a hell of a long time and hoping for the best. You need to blend patience with consistent action. Then, and only then, will you reach your goals.
Photo: bogenfreund
