Guess what?
“What?”
I just ordered some dumbbells.
“And why is that relevant?”
Because it’s a commitment, and that’s something I want to talk about because over the years (since I was 16 really) there have been multiple times when I’ve told myself “Yeah, I’m going to build some muscle and put on some weight” and then like a week later I’ve completely forgotten my intentions and moved onto something else.
In reality I committed to this process a few months ago when I started regularly doing pull ups and trying to up my calorie intake (both of which are working out fairly well), but commitment is an ongoing state, and so, no matter where you are in your muscle building journey, here are some ideas to stick with it, and make *now* the time you change your life.
- Put money down on it. Spending money makes a decision “real.” That’s not to say that money alone will motivate you to stick with muscle building but all the same it’ll give you a fighting chance to find your groove. Don’t sink hundreds into a home gym setup or anything like that, but at the very least by a pull up bar or dumbbells.
- Create a public log. Or just tell all your friends and family if you’re a technophobe. This is one of the biggest benefits of having this blog. While it isn’t tied to my true identity, the act of writing down my intentions and thoughts is like a psychological bond that I can’t release myself from without causing distress and shame.
- Set a concrete plan. What will you eat? How do you plan to train? Think about everything you will need to do to achieve your muscle building goals. Two things will come of this: the process will become noticeably simpler and less overwhelming one it’s clarified plus a plan is another psychological trigger you’ll be less than jovial to break.
- Feed your mind with inspiration. Perhaps the largest detractor of commitment is uncertainty. People just don’t want to do something if the results aren’t guaranteed. That’s why so few people build amazing businesses, write fantastic books, or live their dreams in general (whatever they are). The best way to overcome this uncertainty is to find mentors, whether in the “real world” or online. Find people who are in a similar position to yourself and have been met with success or are at least making progress. Cling to the possibility of strength, muscle and mass.
- Align with a purpose. Use muscle building as a means, not an end. And by that I mean, have an overriding purpose that will fuel your efforts to build muscle. Avoid superficial and weak, explicit motivations like “I want to be ripped so I look awesome,” and focus your thoughts on a higher purpose, such as improving your overall fitness and following your dreams of being proficient in a sport you’re passionate about. Revisit this purpose when you feel your commitment is waning.
