The above statement represents one of my favorite sayings. I believe it is applicable to many aspects of our lives. Many times, the greatest impedements to our success are our own doubts and disbelief. When I hear someone say "I can't" or, "that's just not me", I cringe. That's because I know that if that person truly holds that belief in their mind, they have to overcome that belief before they can succeed.
From time to time I like to read motivational books. I love to read about people who have succeeded in spite of circumstances that seem to be out to hold them back. Whether it be an inventor who perseveres through thousands of trials before coming up with the perfect product, or an athlete who continues to compete after facing numerous defeats; these are the people who inspire me.
We all face challenges when it comes to our fitness. It may be an old injury, it may be time, it may be a nagging voice in the back of your mind telling you not to even bother, that you'll never succeed anyway. We all have it within us to move beyond these obstacles, and that's exactly what they are. Don't think of them as a roadblock or something to stop you from achieving your goals.
Over the years I've worked one on one as a personal trainer with a lot of people. I have had people whose success exceeded even my expectations. I have also trained clients who simply could not bring themselves to put forth 100% or even 75% effort, or maintain the dietary discipline to achieve their goals. I have often wondered what makes one person destined to succeed and another constantly struggle and ultimately fall short. In the end, it always ends up with what is on the inside, that fire that drives someone to succeed.
If you struggle to maintain motivation, one simple tool you can use to help is self talk or self affirmation. I admit the concept sounds silly at first. One is reminded of a certain late night skit about a person looking into a mirror talking himself up. But there is enough research and solid evidence on this concept to show that it works. Think about it, do you think before a world champion fighter goes into the ring he says to himself "I don't know if I can beat this guy. He's pretty good. He sure made short change of the last guy". No, of course not!!! If he did, he can pretty much guarantee his own failure. More likely he will say something like "This guy is toast. I'm stronger, faster, better trained, and I'm going to exploit this jokers weaknesses". In future blogs I'm going to expand on this topic. But for now, just remember, whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right. So start telling yourself you can. No matter how silly it sounds, if you keep repeating it over and over again, you're subconsious will start to believe it, and your actions and behaviors will reflect it. Be well my friends and be healthy. Remember you may always visit my personal web page at http://www.paulowens.org
My name is Paul Owens and I started this site in 2008 to educate the public about fitness, nutrition, and general wellness. I'm a certified personal trainer in Cleveland, Ohio. 
Whenever I think about working out I always make up excuses as to why I can't, or Why I don’t have time. When I read about Serge and how he focus' on having the correct mind set when working out, he made me that much more willing to experience his services.
Posted by: Venice Beach Personal Trainers | March 29, 2010 at 02:31 PM
We've got to live. No matter how many skies have fallen.
Posted by: Air Jordan | March 02, 2011 at 05:13 PM
True. Often the greatest obstacle to our success is ourselves.
Posted by: Paul | September 12, 2011 at 07:34 PM
Serge and some of the other old school bodybuilders new what hard work and dedication meant. We can all learn from people like that. The didn't have the luxury of the kinds of equipment and supplements we have today.
Posted by: Paul | September 12, 2011 at 07:43 PM