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Discipline of steel #12

Using movement to get fit and strong, the power of a good challenge(r), and how to wake up like a warrior.

I was working out at home recently when I caught my reflection in the mirror.

That’s a rare thing for us gym guys, but I actually don’t look at myself when I train.
For 2 years, I didn’t even have a mirror in my training studio.

Anyway, I saw how mean I looked.😠
I could call it the eye of the tiger to try and sound cool (RIP Carl Weathers) but no, I just looked furious.😅

And the first thing I thought was “why?”.

I don’t even have any urgent goal anymore. I’m happy with my shape, strength and overall health.

So I realized it’s not always goals that keep us going and motivate us.

Sometimes it’s just the challenge. Sometimes it’s competition, even if there’s nothing else at stake than surpassing someone or something.

Once you start getting results, you’re instantly caught up in something you can’t stop chasing.
You need to see what’s next, how far you can go, you want to keep getting ahead.

This is called purpose. It comes from action, and leads to more action. 

Read more below. 💪

1. Challenge yourself through movement.

If you’re getting bored with your workouts, try this.

We humans are wired to find happiness in progress.
And simply adding more weight plates over the weeks is not enough.
We need to see some more obvious change.
We need to feel like we are transforming.

There are few better ways to find this primal satisfaction than through improving the way we move.

Doing things you never could before is the best way to keep you engaged in your journey.
It’s the best way for you to love training.
Loving it is the best way to stay consistent.
And being consistent is the only way to reach your goals.

Unfortunately, most people keep doing the same exercises, only use machines, and seldom try something new.

So break the routine and start learning new skills.

Pull-ups, L-sit, split, handstand… It’s okay to aim high, because nothing is more rewarding than each little step along a movement journey.

The next time you’re bored in the gym, lift less and move more.

2. If you find it hard to challenge yourself, challenge someone else!

As I said before, we build discipline by making it easy to act.

And if you find it too hard to start or continue, find someone to do it with you.

Challenging a friend or your partner not only helps you stay accountable, it taps into your deeply rooted competitiveness, aka your ego.

Trust me, you have it in you, even if it’s well hidden.

There is actually no better way to progress than to train with the same person regularly, especially if you have the same level or they are a little bit better than you.

We always feel the urge to catch up or surpass the other and this is driving us.

Bonus point if you can define a clear challenge: first one to do 10 strict push-ups, or deadlift 1.5 times your bodyweight for example.

Just make sure you keep it safe (some of us can get overly motivated by competition 😏), and you’ll progress faster than ever!

3. Wake up like a warrior.

Wake up like a warrior, that’s when your training starts.

With your mind set on the target, even if you’re not in the mood yet.

Meditate on your purpose, visualize the destination before you even open your eyes.

And get up resolved.

If you want the body of a warrior, you must train like one, and start your day like you’re going to war.

Put strong intention in every little step of your routine.

If you work out in the morning, do not think. Just do. This is the way.

If you’re going to train later in the day, keep building up the spirit.
Eat like a warrior, breathe like a warrior, move like a warrior.

You’re on a mission. Everything you do is to prepare you for your workout.
And when you step inside the weight room, make sure you’re worthy of your rank.

Do what you woke up for.
And do it like it’s the last time.