“Whatever it takes” mindset is FLAWED
This life strategy can also be phrased as passionate ignorance disguised as commitment. It makes me sick to see how the fitness industry currently promotes this false sense of “training” ect. But to make matters worse I shared this mindset only a year ago. My overdetermined training strategy drove me, mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially into the ground. I failed to realize that when I said to myself “whatever it takes” I also signed up to say “at whatever costs”.
For almost a year I struggled with depression, self-image issues and lacked the confidence in myself to pursue my other dreams and aspirations. My Friday nights were spent alone training for an upcoming bodybuilding show. I only worked out in sweats because I was too embarrassed to be seen this close to show day and not bringing my most competitive physique. I felt like I was letting my family, friends and myself down by not being able to beat the battle going on in my head. The depression consumed my body and the high stress prevented the body to work correctly. I remember one evening, 30 minutes into my stair master cardio session thinking that I would not make it out alive on this one. Being so determined, and having the what kills you makes you stronger attitude, left me extremely weak and was in the Emergency room weakly for going in and out of consciousness; this was a result of malnutrition and excessive stress causing my organs to not function correctly. 4 weeks out from going up on stage, I suffered from panic and anxiety attacks; I was terrified to be alone because I didn’t know when my body would beside to shut down. Just as my entire world was collapsing in my baby brother and sister paid me a surprise visit and saved me from myself. I ended still making it on stage because of them, did poorly but am here to share my experience with you today; hoping you will learn from my mistakes. There is absolutely nothing in this world that is worth compromising your mental stability. Without a mentally strong and healthy you, you will not see any dreams come to fruition.
Post show, I was forced to take a huge step back, get out of my comfort zone and face my fears. Retraining my brain and attitude towards working out, life and fitness created the avenue for much needed change.
Train intentionally, and always remember that there must be a balance with everything you do in life. With extremes, sacrifices are inevitable. For me, that was my social life, my job, close relationships and my mental stability.
I do promote giving 100 percent of your effort to reach your goals; and there is such a difference between effort and blind training.
My struggles have led me to start my own life coaching and fitness program and provided me an answer as to WHY I was enduring back to back adversities. I want to reach others before they get to where I was in life. No one should have to go through this life feeling completely overwhelmed and consumed; with no way out.
Ultimately, STOP thinking that this mindset is mandatory to reach your goals. LIFE happens DAILY, work, family, injuries ect. and one has to learn to combat these adversities without being discouraged and feeling like a failure.
Motivate REALISM!
Noel Niccum.
Any individuals in sports and fitness who would like to share their voice, please submit to hank@hankfittraining.com