The Uplifted Insider

The Internal Success Indicator

After almost a decade and a half as a full-time professional personal trainer, it’s not hard to tell which clients are going to have a hard time reaching their goals and which clients are ready to crush them.

Those that are bound to struggle, show up to the gym sporadically and think that “going through the motions” is good enough. They believe that a workout is a mindless endeavor, that it is something done to them externally and that effort is optional. They constantly complain about how their situations and circumstances "made" them into their current state and they're always on the lookout for the newest fad or magic pill.

They are not inspired. They are not realistic. They are not intentional with their actions.

These people are always the first to quit or “take a break.”

On the other hand, I've worked with many people who have achieved and/or are in the process of achieving incredible transformations. They stick to their plans even when motivation fades. They push through plateaus. They make fitness a permanent part of their lives.

So what's the difference between these two types of individuals? It's not genetics. It's not time. It's not even discipline.

The reason is— they have a “WHY.” They know exactly WHY they're doing what they're doing and their “WHY” is powerful enough to propel them past all the obstacles that are in the way of their goals.

By the end of this article, I want to help you discover your strongest fitness “WHYs”—the ones that will carry you through every challenge you face on the way to becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Let's Start By Being Honest With Ourselves

Here’s a raw truth: a major reason, if not the main reason you want to begin or continue your fitness journey is because you want to look a certain way. You want to improve what you see in the mirror and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Every single fit person I know—including myself—is significantly motivated by the mirror. It is what it is, but it’s the truth even if we don’t want to admit it. I value my health and my strength, but I'd be lying if I said that how I look isn’t a significant part of the reason that I workout.

Don't mistake that for narcissism, either. There are plenty of self-absorbed fitness people out there, but I don't see anything wrong with playing to our vanity if looking great also helps us feel great—and it absolutely does.

So let's start there. What does your ideal body look like?

I want you to go beyond buzz words and vague dreams. If you could artistically sculpt your body out of a piece of clay, which reflected your height, limb length and ideal weight of course, what would it look like?

It’s important to note that this isn't about creating unrealistic expectations. It's about giving your brain a clear target to aim for. When you can visualize exactly where you're going, your subconscious mind starts working non-stop to get you there.

The Hidden Benefits Of Fitness

Ok, now that we have discussed the visual target of what your ideal body looks like, let's move on to explore something most people don't think about when they start their fitness journey. The new question is: What does your ideal body FEEL like?

When you start thinking about how your ideal body feels, you begin to tap into a plethora of "hidden" fitness benefits. Few people are aware of it when they begin their transformations, but a fit, healthy body is far more enjoyable to go through the rigors of life in than an unfit, unhealthy one is.

The more in shape you are, the more you get to enjoy:

• Higher energy levels throughout the day

• Better moods and mental clarity

• Fewer aches and pains

• Higher-quality sleep

• More self-confidence and self-esteem

• Increased productivity and self-fulfillment

• More satisfying relationships

If you are just starting on the journey to a stronger, healthier YOU, I want you to take a few minutes to imagine what possessing these traits will feel like as you start achieving your health and fitness goals. Then if you are feeling really ambitious, write it all down in the form of individual affirmations.

Now before you roll your eyes and think this sounds too "woo-woo," hear me out. Research shows that writing and reading affirmations can benefit you in several ways. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that people who practiced affirmations exercised more than people who didn't. Research from the University of Sussex found that performing self-affirmations improved working memory and cognitive performance.

In other words, this stuff actually works. It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.

How to Write Successful Affirmations

Rules for writing effective affirmations:

Keep them short—even four or five carefully chosen words can be powerful.

Start with "I" or "My"—affirmations are about YOU, so start with you.

Write in the present tense—"I have boundless energy" not "I will have boundless energy."

Avoid "I want" or "I need"—you don't want to affirm wanting, but BEING.

Make them positive—think "I'm calm and confident" not "I'm no longer anxious."

Include emotion—"I'm excited to do my daily workouts."

Make them believable—if you can't buy into it, it won't work.

The Personal Fitness Wins That Matter The Most

One of my favorite things about being strong and fit are the moments where you just stop for a second and think, "Wow, it's awesome that I am able to do that." Have you ever had that thought?

Over the years, my clients have shared countless “personal fitness wins” with me. Here are just a few that quickly come to mind:

• Being able to move and hold heavy objects like furniture with less difficulty because of a substantial increase in strength

• Improved posture and feeling more confident in all areas of life

• Being more productive throughout the day because of increased energy and endurance

• Looking fantastic in a wedding dress

• Fitting into pants from twenty years ago

• Setting a good example for their kids

• Enjoying more outdoor activities, like hiking or kayaking with family and friends

• The elimination of chronic aches and pains (Especially in the back and knees)

• Confidence to try new or return to physically challenging activities like water skiing, horseback riding, racket sports, running races, pole dancing, etc.

• Finding it easier to keep up with kids or grandkids without getting tired (Being able to get up and down off the floor easily is a big one)

• The ability to rebalance yourself before you fall or fall and not get hurt (this is a huge win for older adults)

These are real, specific, and meaningful. Every WIN I just listed is a “real life” win of my current or past clients. They're all great examples of sincere and personal reasons to get into great shape but these are just a few possible examples. The possibilities are endless.

One of the most heartwarming examples of a “special win” is the story told in a viral Christmas 2020 ad that you might remember. Click here to watch it!

So, why do YOU want to take your fitness to another level?

Do you want to:

• Feel strong and able?

• Boost your confidence?

• Be more attractive?

• Be more active with your family?

• Avoid disease and live longer?

• Stay active well into retirement?

• Simply have a body that works the way it's supposed to?

Take some time to seriously think about your reasons for getting in shape and write them down. I guarantee that if you do, you will feel pumped up and ready to take action.

You Now Have Your Own Personal Power Source

Here's what makes the last exercise so powerful: You now have a strong source of motivation that you can access anytime, from anywhere.

Remember your “WHY” when:

• You're feeling too tired to train

• You're out with friends and you want to eat and drink as recklessly as they are

• Desserts or greasy fried foods are calling your name

• You roll out of bed and feel like soon-to-be roadkill as you walk to the coffee maker

Once you've achieved some wins powered by your “WHY”? Repeat the process and chart an even more exciting course for the next phase of your fitness journey. You will always want to set goals to provide you with the opportunity for wins and as you get further into fitness, more goals and possible wins will be unlocked.

Your Week One Action Plan

Ready to discover your fitness “WHYs?” Here’s what to do:

Find Your Visual Targets: Spend a few minutes this week finding a couple of pictures of your ideal body. Save them to your phone or where you can easily access them.

Write Your Affirmations: Create 3-5 affirmations covering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Write them down and read them daily.

Identify Your Whys: List at least 5 specific reasons why achieving your ideal body matters to you. Be honest and personal.

Create Your Motivation Toolkit: Put your pictures, affirmations, and WHYs in one easily accessible place (Phone, Diary, Scrapbook, etc). This is your secret weapon to use whenever motivation is low.

Review Weekly: Every Sunday or Monday, spend a small allotment of time reviewing and refining your vision. Keep it fresh and inspiring. Your WHY needs to power you long-term.

Ready to Unleash The Power Of Purpose To Build Your Best Body?

If you're ready to combine your well-defined goals with a strategic fitness plan that actually works, I'd love to help you turn your vision into reality.

My online coaching program is designed specifically for busy individuals who want to build their best body without sacrificing things that matter in their life. We'll use your personal WHYs as the foundation for a sustainable plan that gets results.

Ready to discover what becomes possible when you have both a clear destination and a proven roadmap to get there?

Click here to apply for customized online personal training today!

Remember: People with vague goals get vague results. But when you know exactly what you want and why you want it, success becomes inevitable.

The question isn't whether you can achieve your ideal body—it's whether you're willing to get clear enough on what YOU WANT to make it happen.