Friday, May 2, 2008

What Motivates You?

“The measure of your success usually comes down to who wins the battle that rages between the two of you. The ‘you’ who wants to stop, give up, or take it easy, and the ‘you’ who chooses to beat back that which would stand in the way of your success - complacency.”

Read that up somewhere while browing around the net this morning after a great workout with a good friend who has finally found the motivation in himself to live the healthier lifestyle. Hooked up early am around 5:15 am and had a great ab circuit session with the standard EPOC approach to cardio in the end. 40 minutes...lot of snots flying all over the place...lot of sweat dripping down our pores of our skin during the cardio session but...but done - just like that. Now on with my day.

When it comes to workouts..I'm at a daily challenge of constantly finding my motivation...everyday. That's why I made this blog in the first place. What makes me want to train, why do I workout even on days when I just don't feel like it (I've been through many of these many times)? What makes my body tick? What makes me want to get my ass up from bed and just flat out work it early in the morning? Why is working out like my early morning coffee for some people? Why do I go to work late on some days just so I can get that one last good set in? I wish I found the answer to that as there are no easy answers I honestly can find. But if you can answer that question for me...I'd sure would like to know what it is.

There are no solid answers...but I have a strong feeling what I think it is. Fighting complacency in my workouts and having the will power to always outdo myself everytime. Who else would motivate you to do it but yourself? If you do it for other reasons then what happens when those motivations aren't there? Do you stop doing what you were once doing great and just kick it to the curb? Not for me and many others I have grown onto and that's what seperates the action takers from the action fakers.

As I try to find my own motivation, I like to look at other people's successes and use that as my own personal motivation. I've met alot of great people at the TT Site and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Those groups of people will always provide me with that motivation and social support for me to carry on - at times when I can't seem to find it on my own.

Never let your body adapt when you workout...never do something that doesn't challenge you everytime when you put your foot in the gym. Always keep pushing it..always keep rocking it!

My motivation in fitness at a personal standpoint is always try to motivate yourself and others and walk the walk more than just talking the talk. There's a big difference there and alot of that started at Craig Ballantyne's Turbulence Training Website.

Never be complacent. Complacency will always be the culprit to failure. Always stay motivated. Keep the goal in reach. Keep that mindset that every time you hit that gym and kick yourself in the ass all the time -be it small steps or big steps - you will always get closer that goal everytime. It never fails.

12 comments:

Juan said...

Andy way to go bro, I love the motivation talk. I was wondering some of that myself. I don't know if I had told ya but the reason I decided to get skinny was in hopes of getting my ex girlfriend back. Eventually it hit me that she is never coming back no matter what I do. And I honestly know that I can do better. So then my own dilemma arose. So now that I don't want my ex back, do I keep working out? Or can I just go back to being the fat, unhealthy guy I was before?

Obviously I chose the former, I love how much better I feel that alone has motivated me for quite some time. I know its tough though to overlook such simplicities, but mind you my good friend. Look at what you take for granted now, compared to what you couldn't do a year ago. ie running, jumping, push ups, pull ups, feeling good, looking good. Keep up the hard work man.

Andy said...

Thanks bro! I gave your thread the first 5 star by the way at the TT forums. :)

Hey man...getting your girl back. That's excellent motivation to get back in shape! But looking how you look now: they will come for sure. Dude, you're looking really good.

Anyway, you're right. I couldn't do any thing for squat a year ago...very humble beginnings but always have something to look back on as I move on this journey we've embarked.

I honestly can't wait to see you in the 100 lbs pretty soon here, Juan!

Goodluck in the contest! I won't be joining but will be cheering!

Andy

Laura said...

What motivates me? Seeing how much you have achieved and how dedicated you are! Now, that's pretty motivating! Seeing someone else's success makes me feel like anything is possible. Thanks for all of your support and sharing these great posts!

Best,
Laura

Andy said...

Honestly, now you 2 guys (you and Juan) are definitely great motivators for me like no other...

Thanks, Laura for dropping by! :)

Just curious...when are you going to post your awesome nutrition tips at TT? That's some great stuff you got going in your blog, Laura. Livin the 90% compliance to fat loss nutrition rule #1 no doubt - everyday. Something I hope to get to someday!

KaliLilla.com said...

Inspiring post today Andy. I'm ready to go back to the gym for round two! :)

Andy said...

Keep it rolling Kali!!!!

Adam Waters said...

Hi Andy, Congratulations on your contest win, very impressive results mate. You are right, motivation is a major component, and a very individual thing.

Andy said...

Whoa..what a surprise visit! How you doing Adam! How are things over in Osaka? Kali says alot of good things about you and I'm very proud of all your accomplishments!! I mean what an inspiration you've been especially from my own personal stanpoint (I've been following your progress from afar - didn't realize you personally know Kali. What a small world).

Just would like to set the record though Adam...hahaha - well, I didn't win the TT contest by any means but what I am happy about it was I did win was a wealth of good health and made alot of good friendships in this journey and who would've thought a visit by someone I really look up to (you!)...really means alot and hope to keep in touch with you here on out. I understand you did Tom Venuto's program correct? Very interesting as Craig's and Tom's approaches are very similar in many ways I believe (still have to read up on Tom's philosophy some though...).

Saw you on this issues Men's Fitness too...that's awesome!!! Man..that's something to remember for a lifetime.

Your self motivation is something uncanny! And I say that sincerely...

Thanks Adam for dropping by (I owe you one Kali!) and please continue inspiring us! You're awesome...

Michael said...

Andy, thanks for stopping by my blog and thanks for a great post today.

Andy said...

Hey Mike! Likewise!

Andy

Adam Waters said...

Thanks for your kind words Andy. Things over here are chilled at the moment as I'm gearing up for Mission 5.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Tom's work and I actually trained with him recently in NJ, he is the real deal. I look forward to seeing what you got in store next.

AJ

Andy said...

Hi Adam...thanks. Definitely getting the intensity into high gear again for sure. Gunning for a more defined 6 pack here shortly (well, hopefully that is). I'm interested to know what exactly is your new Mission? I see you have a Council going on which is quite cool.
Andy