As a nation we are captivated by transformation. Each week we tune into reality TV shows highlighting transformations from weight loss, to behavior change, to beating addiction. As the first season of NBC’s STRONG comes to a close we know that one team will be declared the official winner, but we are also reminded of the impact the experience has made on all of the contestants.
This was never intended to be a weight loss competition. Weight loss and physical fitness was simply a welcoming side effect as the teams took one more step each week to STRIVE TO REACH their OWN NATURAL GREATNESS. The 10 female contestants will return home with much more than just a new body. They have achieved a new sense of empowerment, accomplishment, strength, pride, and confidence that they can apply to every aspect of their lives. The 10 male contestants will return to the industry with a unique, energized, and elevated level of experience that will help them inspire and coach others better than ever before.
However, the journey for each team didn’t begin on Episode 1 of STRONG. Just as the journey to weight loss doesn’t begin on day one in the gym and a professional athlete isn’t born on the first day of spring practice. The journey to transformation begins long before that.
Whether you are looking to change your body, your career, or your habits – it all starts from within. I’m not talking about mental toughness because that develops along the way. I’m talking about the “it” factor, the “hot button”, the emotional experience that causes someone to one day pull into the gym parking lot instead of passing by it like so many times before.
OWN YOUR “WHY”
The “IT” factor comes down to one simple question – “WHY?”
Before you can commit to the “WHAT”, you have to commit to the “WHY”.
Why do you want to reach this goal? To impress others? To earn more money? For your family? To fit better in your clothes? All good reasons, and the RIGHT answer is different for everyone. However, people who reach their goals must have the inner drive to do so. To experience a transformation, you must have a personal desire to change. If deep down you are content with staying the same and you are simply making changes because a doctor or a family member “recommended it”, or “society says you should”, or you agree that “it might be a good idea” – that won’t be enough.
Many of the steps that you take to achieving your goals happen when no one is around, so it is important that you remember WHY you started.
COMMIT TO THE “WHAT”
Remember to set SMART goals – Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely Goals. This is crucial. Success is a HUGE motivator. The more goals you reach, the more likely you are to continue in the pursuit. For example, tackling a long term weight loss goal of 50 lbs. might seem unattainable. It might even be intimidating to say it out loud. So start small – instead of saying, “lose 50 pounds”, say “go to the gym three days a week”. By setting SMART goals, you can commit to making changes with the confidence that you will succeed.
PLAN THE “HOW”
Now that you have set your SMART goal, formulate a plan on how to get there.
For example, if your goal involves losing weight or improving your health, you will need to carve out a time and a place to workout. Make time on your schedule for your goals. Block the time off like you would any other appointment. This is a very important appointment for yourself so plan your schedule up to a month in advance. This will give you the tools to stay committed to your goals even when “life” happens.
Finding the right way and place to workout is just as important. This is the first big step out of your comfort zone. Try out a lot of different gyms, studios, and group fitness classes to find what you LIKE & what you don’t. This is crucial.
You will make time to workout if you enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy at least some part of it, you will make an excuse.
It is true that health clubs and studios are staffed by individuals who are passionate about fitness. Nevertheless, the vast majority of people that work in the fitness industry are driven by their desire to help others. Most facilities will let you try out their club and classes free before joining – take advantage of this! Join the place that offers the right equipment, staff, and programs that are the best fit for you.
Now that you have identified WHY you are making changes, WHAT changes you want to make, and HOW you are going to make those changes, you only have one more thing you need to start your journey to transformation – a support system.
BUILD YOUR TEAM
“Change is good”, but it is also hard. It is challenging to step outside your comfort zone. A support system is the final key to success. Your “team” doesn’t have to be large – it can simply be one other person that is in your corner. Friends, significant others, and family members can all be on your team. However, sometimes the people closest to you can be the biggest source of sabotage. In this case, seek out a teammate that will be in your corner to give you “high-fives” and “tough love” when needed. Hire a personal trainer, a nutritionist, or a life coach that will support you and keep you on track with no personal agendas.
Power Systems will be on your team, just like we were for all the contestants on STRONG. As a team, Power Systems is obsessed with the potential our products can provide. We offer a wide variety of products because everyone has a goal to reach. We are proud to play even just a small part on the journey to transformation. But supplying quality products is just one way that we can help. At Power Systems it is our goal to provide a complete and comprehensive solution to help our customers & their customers – health clubs & their members, coaches & their athletes, personal trainers & their clients.
