#1 Reason You Can’t Train Consistently
Over my years of coaching, I have learned that the #1 Reason People Fail to train consistently is that...
They do not IDENTIFY as someone who trains consistently!
So, what do I mean by this?
Psychologists have found that one of the most potent ways to build lasting habits is to alter one's perception of who they are, i.e. your self-image. Meaning that how you view yourself determines your behaviours.
Do you see yourself as lazy, unfit, too tired, or too busy to work out?
Thinking of yourself in this way reinforces negative self-image and unwanted habits. Choosing to stay in bed, watch TV or work long hours rather than get to the gym.
So how can you leverage this new power of Identity?
Commit to a self-image that helps you make decisions and actions based on whom you want to be - Your Future (healthier) self!
Feel free to pick one of these pre-made identities below:
I'm a high-performing athlete.
I'm a runner.
I'm a bodybuilder.
I am a fitness enthusiast.
I m a weight lifter.
Tell yourself this, and tell others. You'll empower yourself to overcome avoiding exercise.
You are now the type of person who prioritises your health and well-being!
Whatever you think, You Are!
James Clear, in his acclaimed book Atomic habits, stated the recipe for sustained success is:
Decide the type of person you want to be.
Prove it to yourself with small wins
Consider what positive actions your future self would do, and act accordingly, taking note of the small wins.
Identity: Be the type of person who exercises three times a week.
Small win: Do a 20-minute workout Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The more you act like this new person and prove it to yourself with small wins, e.g. working out three times a week and choosing healthier foods, the more you reinforce your identity, and the easier changing your behaviour consistently becomes.
Scientific Evidence
Neuroscientists have shown that you can rewire your brain based on your actions. Taking these actions allows your brain to physically change and install the neurological hardware to think, act, and feel like the person you want to be.
Motivation & Inspiration doesn’t cut it!
While they do spur us on and can act like little boosters, to get us in the right mindset. You can't rely on motivational Youtube videos or inspirational Instagram stories from your favourite influencers to maintain long-term adherence to your health and fitness. This type of motivation will last a week at most!
Change Your View On Long-term Goals
Rather than setting outcomes focussed goals first, "I want to lose 5lbs", I want to get fitter", try to make a conscious effort to shift your Identity towards someone who exercises regularly.
Consistency, as we all know, is the key to progress!
However, we cannot expect to linearly progress without any hiccups along the way. Faltering is inevitable - life happens, job, kids, family etc. However, the disruption of your new plans is not proof that it's not meant to be or that you are too busy/tired/lazy a person. Instead, approach the situation as your Future Healthier Self, "Let's get back to it, asap!"
Actionable Takeaways:
Recognise that your Identity is not fixed, and your self-image is flexible.
Decide on the type of person you want to be;
Take actions as if you were this person already (e.g. scheduling workouts in your calendar, getting a trainer)
FEEL IT IN YOUR BEING; THIS IS YOU NOW!