The amount of information out there can be daunting and overwhelming, and every once in awhile I like to do a "cliff notes" version of, in our eyes, what are the most important strategies for success in fitness and nutrition.
Keep in mind, I'm using the 80/20 rule, which states that 20% of your actions produce 80% of your results.
We could argue what kind of protein is right, what the best butt exercise is, or what the right joint angle on an exercise should be, but the fact of the matter is, that's the 80% that only produces 20% of the results.
Here are 5 strategies that make up the 20% that will produce 80% of the results when it comes to fitness, nutrition, and goal setting.
1. Be very clear where you want to be 90 days from now. They say that the human brain loses focus every 90 days or so. Instead of fighting that, why don't we play to that? Paint a very clear picture, 90 days from now, what does life look like? Be very specific and measurable. For example, wanting to lose weight and be happier is a great idea, but it's not a very clear picture. On the other hand, 90 days from now I'm going to be wearing a size 10 pants and be home for dinner 4/5 nights, that's very measurable. Where do you want to be 90 days from now? Paint a clear picture...
2. Perfectionism if the enemy of progress. You know and we know that getting started is the hardest part. That's true with anything. Whether it's getting ready to tackle fitness or changing your nutritional choices, don't let perfectionism get in the way of progress. How many days a week should you exercise? The better question is how many days a week are you currently exercising? 0? Just start with one then. How many grams of protein should I consume? I don't know, how many grams are you consuming now? 50? Aim for 60 then. I'm all for doing something that is safe and appropriate, that's an obvious priority, but don't spend so much time dwelling or waiting for the perfect moment that you forget to take the first step....action.
3. Have a cadence of accountability for everything. In this 2017 world information is not the problem, accountability and coaching are. For everything you're trying to improve, have something or someone that holds you accountable. We all need it. I literally have someone holding me accountable to the goal that I send out this post every single day. If it's important to you, find a way to have an accountability system behind it. If you're trying to improve nutrition, maybe you have someone collect a food log from you once a month or you use a daily app that checks in with you. For fitness, you have a workout buddy that pushes you or a team of coaches that bring out the best in you. Having a cadence of accountability does not mean that you're bad at it, it just means you're human. We all need it. The ones that are the most consistent, and thus, see the best results, have someone or something holding them accountable.
4. As yourself this question with any fitness or nutrition choice: Do I see myself doing this 5 years from now? If the answer is no, just stop now, and find something else. That's why people have always struggled with yo-yo results. They're on it for a while and then off of it for awhile. Why? Because they committed to something that is not fun, too intense, or not sustainable long-term. Stop looking for the quick-fixes, they may work for a week or a month, but 5 years from now, where are you? Pick stuff (nutrition choices, fitness choices, etc) that you enjoy doing, and you can see yourself doing it long-term. I promise you that you'll see better results.
5. This is not a dress rehearsal. I think sometimes we're so busy that we forget this is not a dress rehearsal. This is life. We will never have another March 28, 2017, to redo. Sometimes we act like we're going to get to mess around for awhile and then work on this or that. This is the real thing, and you have one shot. This never comes back. Why not make the best of the time you're here so that you can be healthy, happy, be around for your kids, and enjoy the performance that you're living? This is not a dress rehearsal.
Those 5 thoughts, kept top of mind and acted upon, will give you 80% of the results you're looking for in life....
Which one of the 5 resonated with you the most?
I'd love to hear from you...
1% Better.
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling