3 Ways To Stop Quitting on Your Dream Body

I talk with hundreds of men every year who struggle with their health, fitness, and physiques.

A common theme is the struggle to keep going after they start something.

Many believe they can never seem to get a good run at it without life getting in the way.

So they feel stuck in a rut, not liking what’s looking back in the mirror and struggling with low confidence. 

If you can relate to that, then the tools in this article can help you break that pattern and become the 2.0 version of yourself you’re striving for.

A lot of the time it’s down to these 3 problems:

Problem 1 – Scarcity Mindset.

Humans are primed to get away from, or pain or discomfort.

It would have kept us safe from the likes of wild beasts or other tribes who want to kill us back in the day.

It’s still hardwired in our DNA.

So most guys start getting in shape because they’ve had enough of feeling embarrassed about how they look, or struggling to keep up with the kids or certain tasks.

Then, after making some progress you don’t feel quite as bad or uncomfortable.

You haven’t reached that ideal goal of looking defined or getting more respect from people, but you’re more comfortable than before.

Now it’s uncomfortable to keep going. 

This is where you take the foot off the gas. Before you know it you’re back where you were.

And the cycle repeats itself.

So many guys stay stuck in this cycle their whole life.

The solution is to first be aware of this pattern, and focus more on working towards short term goals you DO WANT.

Short term goals are better as the really far away ones can feel like a distant dream you can’t conceive as becoming real.

Problem 2 – Stress

Stress is the no.1 reason stopping most men get in shape.

Acute stress from changing circumstances is normal.

You can’t control many things that happen to you or others in your life.

But when you’re chronically stressed you’re in survival mode, and that puts you in a pattern of seeking comfort or avoiding hard things.

So what CAN you control that impacts your stress levels?

• Bedtimes and sleep habits (screen sucking and lack of sleep stresses you).
• What you put in your mouth (booze, junk and fast foods stress you).
• Exercise (Lack of walking and physical exercise stresses you).
• Planning and scheduling your time (being unorganised makes you feel overwhelmed). 
• Make time for fun stuff that makes you feel good.

Make good choices in those areas and your mind handles stress a lot better.

Problem 3 – Zero to Hero

The conventional ways to get in shape are about strict rules, clean eating, and exercise overhauls.

But usually, the size of challenge most men create is greater than their current level of skillset.

^^ read that again.

Getting a lean, strong, defined body is an accumulation of skills and habits over time.

You can’t acquire them all in one go.

Imagine taking up gymnastics and expecting to do a handstand or backflip by week 1.

Think of it like downloading 1 new upgrade on a mobile phone every fortnight, rather than buying a new phone with all the bells and whistles.

You’ll master the new tools a lot easier.

This is the best way to change, Micro Actions, building habits 1 at a time.

So let’s wrap this up …

1. Work towards short term goals that feed the bigger picture.
2. Proactively manage stress.
3. Break the lifestyle you want to live into achievable, micro actions.

I hope that was helpful.

If it was, do me a favour and send it to someone else you know might benefit.

Dean 

PS – Want to see how my coaching program for men could help you become a stronger, leaner, healthier you? Click HERE and check out the details.