The Right Time To Start Is Now

There is no better time to start your fitness journey than right now at this very moment.

Errr… I mean after you read this whole article of course.

Let me tell you a quick story…

There was once a man who had the biggest dreams and aspirations.

He knew what he “could” be…

Day in and day out he would “dream” of what was to come.

Money, family, house, cars, a thriving business, and everything else he could dream of.

Every night he would go to bed saying “tomorrow is the day where it all starts.”

Everyday up to this point he came in with the mindset that his plan was going to get accomplished.

He just needed to critique a few more things to formulate the perfect plan before acting on it.

The problem is this went on for years. Before he knew it, he was now an old man.

He lived an average life going through the motions of life like a zombie. But what did he accomplish that was meaningful?

Nothing.

He was the man who dreamed big, always talked the talk, but never did anything to make those dreams become a reality.

Now, his ambition and big dreams had turned into regret.

So he lay there wishing things would be different and asked why he didn’t take any action towards his goal?

Things would’ve been vastly different. Instead of being a lonely old man, he would’ve been an old man that lived a purposeful and happy life.

A few minutes later, the man wakes up from this terrible nightmare that taught him a valuable lesson:

Action is what makes your goals become a reality.

So, from this day forward, the man decided he would take action – no matter how big or small – everyday.

And the funny part is, his plan that was once a dream finally became a reality.

It took awhile, but it was worth it in the end.

Sounds familiar, huh?

Don’t be the man in the dream. Be the man who learned his lesson from his dream.

There is no perfect time to start your fitness and health journey.

So why wait? What is waiting for the “perfect time” going to do for you?

Nothing because there is no perfect time.

The perfect time is right now.

“Don’t Think Just Do”

This is the saying I lived by over the past year.

I consider myself a chronic over thinker and maybe you’re shaking your head right now in agreement because you’re one too.

Cool! We have something in common.

My biggest enemy has been paralysis by analysis and still is to some extent.

Basically, you try to be perfect and figure out the “best plan” that causes you to over analyze and not take any action at all.

For example, every day I knew what 3 things needed to get done for my business:

-study to become a better coach

-give my clients my 100% effort

-make helpful content

However, I had such a hard time doing them.

Why? Because I was trying to be too perfect and this overthinking caused me to do nothing.

What should I study when there are so many books?

What piece of content to make when there are so many options?

And rather than just making content, studying, and helping clients and letting the pieces fall where they may, I would over analyze about the perfect plan.

The problem was that there was never a perfect plan no matter how “perfect” I tried to make it.

It wasn’t until I had a call with two of my mentors 2 years ago – Jordan Syatt and Mike Vicanti – that changed my mindset around getting things done.

“Don’t think. Just do.”

After this, I’ve made it my mission to come in everyday with a list of 5 things to do and just to get them done, realizing that there will never be a perfect plan.

By taking action everyday, that action will eventually compound into something great.

Do I still struggle with this? Of course. It will always be a work in progress… but I can confidently say I’ve improved.

When I notice myself over analyzing, I tell myself: “Shut up and get to work on something”.

Because something will always be better than nothing.

How Does This Apply To You?

If you’re constantly thinking about what “should” be doing, you’re wasting time and brain energy that could be used to get you closer to your goals.

Rather than coming up with the perfect workout plan or the perfect nutrition plan, which doesn’t exist, just start doing something.

Because that’s how you’ll learn what the perfect plan is for YOU since everyone is different.

You’re going to learn what does and does not work for you, which are skills that will get you to your goals.

Look at it this way… would you rather execute a decent plan 100% of the time… or would you rather execute a perfect plan 60% of the time?

Probably a decent plan, right?

So execute and learn as you go because the more you do, the more you’ll learn, and the better you’ll get over time.

-Start tracking your calories and protein.

-Start going for walks.

-Make a list to go grocery shopping for healthy foods.

-Join a gym and go 2-4 days a week.

The time is now to just do.

Don’t overthink.

Because you’re never going to be perfect or have the perfect plan.

Experience is the most valuable teacher and mistakes are valuable lessons learned.

Putting off the actual work is just procrastinating. Procrastinating never made anyone great. Only doing makes people great.

So be great, take action, and build momentum.

I made a podcast on this that you can listen to HERE.

Stop Relying on Motivation

Maybe you’re saying, “Ok, I get that I must take action… but what about when I’m not motivated?”

Ask anyone that is successful in life and they’ll tell you motivation is bullshit because no one on this planet is motivated 100% of the time.

That’s not to say it’s useless… quite the opposite actually. It has its place and time… but people rely on it too much.

It’s like a shitty cane. It’ll support you, but when you really need to lean on it, it will break and you’ll fall.

If I only did things when I was motivated, I wouldn’t be here writing this article for you right now.

There are plenty of times where I want to sit in my warm bed and watch Game of Thrones.

Or times when eating the pizza sounds way better than the salad.

Or an extra 2 hours of sleep in my warm bed would hit the spot vs waking up early to get work done.

You’ve been lied to about motivation.

Motivation is a feeling. It’s something that comes and goes. It can’t be grabbed out of thin air and all of a sudden “I’m motivated!”

Being happy and sad are also feelings…Are you happy or sad 100% of the time?

No, you’ll have some days that you’re sad and some days where you’re happy.

Motivation can be great to get started but to rely on it sets you up for failure.

Instead, you have to worry about taking action everyday. This is where discipline and grit comes in.

Because when you take action everyday – especially when you don’t feel like it – you start to build your discipline muscle up.

And just like you strength train to build up stronger and bigger muscles, the more you work discipline, the stronger and more powerful it will be.

This means going to the gym even when you don’t want to.

Tracking your calories even when you don’t want to.

Reading before bed vs watching Netflix even when you don’t want to get better sleep.

Over time, the more discipline you have, the more action you’ll take, the better results you’ll get.

From these results, motivation starts to materialize.

Because now you see what’s possible and you know what you can accomplish so you want more of it.

So, you keep taking action, keep getting results, and the cycle continues for a long ass time.

This is how it works for 99% of people.

Those overnight successes in business or the person who seems to be shredded paid their dues – you’re only seeing the end result of the hard work.

So, stop playing the victim because you’re not.

You CAN do this.

Yes, it will be hard and that’s ok. No one is special… If they can do it, so can you.

Tips To Improve Self-Discipline:

1. Keep promises that you make to yourself.

Discipline is doing the things you say you’re going to do and proving to yourself that you can in fact do them.

Did you say you’re going to go to the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday?

Well, you better fucking go to the gym those days then – especially the days where you’re second guessing it and making all of the excuses in the world on why you shouldnt go.

2. Come in everyday with 3-5 must do tasks and get those done daily. This will compound into results over time.

3. When you hear your inner voice telling you not to do something, get that shit done right there or at the quickest moment possible.

You know that little voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough? That you’ll never get to your goals because you’re different? To take it easy and sit on the couch all day watching Game of Thrones and eating doritos?

This is called your bitch voice. A term named by Andy Frisella.

This voice gets you farther away from your goals.

Therefore, you have to learn to shut this voice up and bring out your boss voice – the voice that’s going to get you closer to your goals.

Everytime you hear your bitch voice telling you not to do something or that you can’t do something, that is your sign to go do that thing right now.

Because now, you’re proving to yourself that you CAN do these things and you’re building your discipline muscle to get shit done.

The more you do this, the quieter that voice will become and the more closer to your goals you’ll get.

Common Actions Deliver Common Results

If you keep doing the same things over again while expecting different results, how do you expect to ever get to where you want to be?

That’s the definition of insanity.

And If you keep saying you’re going to do something but never do it, what are you proving to yourself?

You’re saying that you’re not good enough because everytime you set out to do something, you either don’t start or you start but never see it the whole way through.

Remember Who You’re Doing This For

You are the most important person in your life.

If you can’t be the best version of yourself for you… how do you expect to be the best version of yourself for someone else? (kids, husband, family, friends, etc)

Look at yourself in the mirror… seriously do it.

Are you happy with the person you see?

If you aren’t, it’s time to make a change. You have to take ownership and responsibility of where you’re at.

Nothing is going to change unless you do.

Do this for you… No one else.

You don’t need anyone else’s approval.

Self care is putting in the hard work to make yourself great.

Be Uncommon Regardless Of What Others Think

You have to do something different if you want to see change.

Do you want to be like everyone else who lives their lives commonly, quits at the first sight of failure or hardship, and plays the victim?

Or do you want to be different, do what most people aren’t doing, and live your life to your full potential?

They say we mold the people we are around most.

If most of the people around you eat like shit, don’t workout, have stressful jobs that they hate, drink on the weekends, etc, it can be easy to fall into the trap as well.

Growing up, my family wasn’t the healthiest.

They’re all amazing people and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, but they’re unhealthy.

A lot of alcohol consumption, heavily processed foods, eating out all of the time, having huge desserts every night, etc.

And because of this, I have a lot of family members who have very poor health.

I didn’t want to be like that.

To that I say – break the chains.

Be the person who does what everyone else doesn’t do.

When I first started changing my diet and lifestyle, I would get shit all of the time from my family.

As annoying as it was, eventually they saw the progress I made and shut up real quick.

The funny thing is, I even inspired a few family members to make changes themselves.

So while I did this for me in the beginning, I influenced a few family members to make changes for themselves.

That right there, makes it that much more worth it.

So, go to the gym to become stronger, more toned, confident, and healthy.

Clean up your diet by adding in more whole nutrient dense foods.

Instead of going out on the weekends, do something else that’s fun.

Maybe cut down on your drinking so you don’t wake up Sunday morning feeling like shit.

I’m not saying don’t enjoy your life and stay home. I’m saying find ways to make healthier decisions while still being able to go out and enjoy your life.

And if people think you’re “weird” and are telling you “you don’t need to lose weight” or “just eat the piece of cake”, you can kindly tell them to fuck off.

There’s a reason they’re where they’re at in life… it’s not your fault they’re projecting their own insecurities on you.

So do you and be confident while doing it.

Surrounding yourself with supportive people will help a ton.

They’re either with you and support you, or they’re against you and off the team.

Plus, when you put the time, effort, and work into becoming the best version of yourself, you make those around you better and then they make people around them better.

This is the cycle of personal excellence and it makes the world a much better place.

And there’s no better feeling knowing you were a part of that because you decided to break the chains.

Set Proper Expectations:

So now you’re convinced to make a change and are ready to get started.

Let’s go! But first, we must set some proper expectations since your motivation is high right now and you won’t always be able to rely on it.

There is another term I love coined by Andy Frisella called “aggressive patience”

This basically means that you have to come in day in and day out willing and ready to put in the work to get closer to your goals.

But that’s not enough.

You also have to be patient and realize that this is going to take a long ass fucking time.

Not weeks. Not months. But years.

How you got to where you are now took time so going to where you want to be is going to take time as well.

Most people fuck up because they get initial results (due to motivation) and when thing’s slow down or they’re not getting the results they expected, they quit (due to lack of motivation).

We live in a society that is all or nothing.

Either give me what I want now or I don’t want it at all.

Listen…. Anything worth having takes a lot of work and patience to get.

The only way to fuck up, fail, and not get to where you want to be is if you quit.

That may be the most important lesson in this article. So screen shot it, save it, write it down, do whatever you need to do to remember this.

Because as long as you don’t quit and keep coming back day after day even when you get punched in the face, you’re going to fucking win.

It’s not easy… but it’s that simple.

What’s the worst that can happen?

You overeat one day? Big deal…. Just get back on track the next day.

You miss a workout? Ok, hit it hard next workout.

Oftentimes, we think things are going to be a lot worse than they are.

Be ok with failure. It’s not as bad as it may seem.

Failure is actually a positive thing… ask any successful person that and they’ll tell you they learned their biggest lessons from failing.

How do you think I know all of this as a coach? Because I made all of these mistakes over the years!

So, focus on the process and winning the day.

Hit singles not home runs. It’s easy to shoot for the home run because it’s the most rewarding moment.

But, if you focus on the long game, hitting singles is going to get you much farther than hitting home runs ever will.

Embrace Failure

This is something I’ve gotten really good at over the years.

One of the biggest things people are scared of is failing and understandably so.

When I was younger, failure terrified me.

My basketball career in highschool was ruined because of the fear of failure.

I was so nervous to miss a shot or turn the ball over that it caused me to overthink on the court.

And when you think with your mind vs just playing the game, you’re going to suffer.

You’re hesitant, not as quick, not as explosive, you play the game scared vs aggressive, and therefore you’re more prone to making mistakes.

This is why you see so many professional athletes struggle in big games because they let the moment get to them.

Each time I would go out, I’d be so nervous and “play it safe” that I lost any privilege to play at all.

I didn’t only lose playing time, I lost my confidence as well.

Rather than focusing on getting better, I would sulk at my mistakes.

I would focus so hard on what I was doing wrong that I missed what I was doing good.

I would tell myself these false stories.

Had I only continued to work hard and not let failures stop me, who knows how things would’ve played out.

Listent, it fucking sucks to fail.

It really does.

It’s a huge hit to our ego and quite honestly, makes you feel like shit at times.

But, that is a good thing.

Because failures are the best teachers. They are the best lessons that are going to help you grow in more ways than you thought possible.

So, even though failure still sucks when I do it – and believe me, I do it a lot – I reframe my mindset around failure.

Rather than being sad or mad or feeling bad about yourself, I use failure as a tool.

I look for the one lesson I can learn from that experience and try to not make that same mistake again.

And when you think of it like this, and realize how many times you’ll fail, but also how many lessons you’re going to learn, you’re going to succeed.

Imagine where you’ll be in 5 years from now from all of the failures and lessons learned in that time around your fitness, nutrition, and health.

Over time, you can write down things that you need to improve on from your failures but also things you’re doing well so you know that “hey, you can do this and things are improving!”

Embrace failure. Be ok with missing the shot and try making the next one.

You can never make a shot you don’t take.

When you think about it, what’s complaining about failing going to do? Jack shit.

Instead, ask yourself “What am I going to do about it?” and do it.

Visualize Where You Want To Be

This is the last point I’ll leave you with.

Be like the man and dream about what you want to become. The only difference is to take action.

Yeah, this may sound woo woo and I used to think that too.

But it fucking works.

You’re telling the universe what you want to be and where you want to get to.

So, by putting in the action everyday and visualizing where you want to be, you’re telling the universe that you’re doing what needs to be done in order to get to that place.

Therefore, the universe will reward you for that.

If you want to lose 50 lbs, imagine what that would be and look like.

-How would you feel?

-What would you be eating?

-How would your clothes fit?

Or maybe you want to get jacked (this used to be me).

-How would you look on the beach?

-How much weight would you lift

-Feel the pump in the gym

-Feel the shirts getting tighter on your body

What Are Your Goals? Why Do You Want To Achieve These Goals?

A helpful exercise is the 5 why’s that I learned from Precision Nutrition.

By understanding and asking yourself why you want to achieve the goals you are after, you now have a bigger purpose and motivation to help you reach those goals.

Why do you want to lose weight?

Why do you want that?

Why is that?

Etc. etc….

Then, the next step would be to audit yourself and ask what habits can you change to get to where you want to be?

-Are you being consistent enough?

-Are you slacking and saying fuck it on the weekends?

-Are you eating processed garbage all of the time or are you eating mostly whole food?

-Are you tracking and weighing out your food?

-Are you going to the gym when you say you’re going to go?

-Are you planning out your meals?

-Showing up each day to win?

Yeah, this may sound like a lot at first, but just like you climb one step at a time to get to the second floor, you can implement one of these at a time to get to your goals.

From there, create an action plan on these things and a to do list everyday that will get you close to your goals.

And now you’re not only visualizing what you want to become, but you’re manifesting it into existence by putting in the actions to support your dreams and visions.

Final Thoughts

Listen, I know for a fact you can do this because one, you’re reading this article and two, I’ve coached a shit ton of people from all walks of life.

And there is one thing they all have in common – they all worked their asses off and stayed consistent.

Over time, they transformed their bodies and changed their life.

The more you do this over time the better your brain and body will adapt so that it becomes a habit and a part of your routine.

But you have to make it that way first and push through the initial resistance.

And if there is one thing I want you to take away front his article it is this:

Have the mindset of getting better everyday. If you do this and neer quit, you’ll get to where you want to be.

-Coach Bob

If you want your free copy of my Fat Loss Cheat Sheet, you can grab that HERE.