ML Coaching
Overcoming your inner weaker self is a challenge for many of us. Especially at the start, motivation for new goals is very high, but over time we often let ourselves get distracted by excuses. Today I want to show you how to beat your inner weaker self. I'll show you the whole thing using the example of "training". Because here I can speak best from my own experience.
Before we begin, I'd like to briefly introduce myself: my name is Marco Laterza, I'm a personal trainer in Zurich. I offer my clients support in the areas of exercise, nutrition and mindset. A holistic approach to health and fitness is important to me, and this is a concept I want to pass on to everyone. If you're interested in working together, you can contact me anytime.
What is the "inner weaker self"?
Before we turn to the tips and tricks, it's important to understand what our inner weaker self actually is. Our brain prefers short-term rewards over long-term benefits. That means we're more inclined to choose the comfortable couch over an exhausting workout, even when we know that exercise is good for us in the long run.
To really be able to overcome your weaker self, you should take the following tips to heart.
1. Set realistic goals
A common mistake is setting yourself unrealistic goals. If you're just starting to train, it's unlikely that you can immediately spend an hour in the gym every day. Set yourself small, achievable goals, such as training three times a week for 20 minutes. Once you've reached these goals, you can increase them step by step.
2. Create a training plan
A structured training plan can work wonders. Create a plan that fits your everyday life and leaves you enough flexibility. Schedule your training firmly into your daily routine, as if it were an important appointment. This way training becomes a habit and less of an optional activity.
3. Find a training partner
A training partner can be incredibly motivating. Training together creates a commitment and often makes the training more fun too. You can motivate and spur each other on when one of you has a low point.
4. Introduce a reward system
Reward yourself for goals you've reached. That can be something small, like a relaxing bath after training or a new sports outfit after a month of regular training. These small rewards help maintain motivation and make training more attractive.
5. Document your progress
Record your progress, whether in a training journal or a fitness app. This way you can see how far you've already come, and that can be very motivating. It also helps to process setbacks better, because you have the positive developments clearly in view.
6. Bring variety into your training
Monotony can quickly destroy motivation. Vary your training to keep it interesting. Try new exercises, go jogging instead of to the gym sometimes or do a yoga session instead of lifting weights. Variety ensures that training doesn't get boring and that you stay motivated long term.
7. Pay attention to the right equipment
Invest in good sportswear and equipment. If you feel comfortable in your training outfit and have the right equipment, your desire to train also rises. It simply feels better to train in functional and comfortable clothing.
8. Find the right balance
Too much training can be just as harmful as too little. Make sure you schedule enough rest days and give your body time to recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries and exhaustion, which lowers motivation even further.
9. The psychological component
It's completely normal that motivation isn't always equally high. What matters is not putting yourself under too much pressure. Even if you skip a training session sometimes, it's not the end of the world. Long-term success is what counts. Accept mental hurdles too and work on overcoming them step by step.
Conclusion
It's certainly not easy to beat your inner weaker self. It requires discipline and perseverance. The tips mentioned above can help you with it. They're not only good for training, but can also be easily transferred to other areas. Because realistic goals, well-planned intentions, support and rewards are always helpful for overcoming your inner weaker self. Stick with it and don't let yourself be discouraged – you can do it!