After 20+ years of training I recently learned this lesson about myself

I recently had an epiphany. Sat between sets on the leg extension machine in a random gym in upstate NY after what felt like a gargantuan effort to get started that day - I realized something significant.

“For me, effort applied is often more satisfying than the results achieved.”

The results I achieve feel great and I want them bad. But I recognize that they don’t last long on their own.

The high of success, the relief finishing strong, the blast of dopamine that lasts only a few seconds upon completion of the plan. Whether it’s beating last week's lifting numbers, reaching a new level of body composition, or winning a race. It feels good, but it’s not why I keep going back.

The fulfillment is in the satisfaction of the effort I give to achieve the results I want.

Rebound

Many guys achieve the results but miss the satisfaction and that tends to backfire. When we achieve results by any means necessary, without considering the process we follow or effects it has, we set ourselves up for rebound once we cross the finish line we set for ourselves.

If you’re lucky however, you’ll achieve your results, manage the ramifications of the methods used and the pitfalls faced, and then find a way to do it again.

Last time

Enigmatic MMA fighter, Connor McGregor, was asked by a reporter during his training camp in the months leading up to his second UFC career title win, what he’d do differently this time. In true Mcgregor fashion he answered emphatically…

“This time I’ll enjoy it”.

In his first title win, he was obsessed by the destination, and when he arrived, he found a hole. Though he hoisted the belt and played the part of victor, when the buzz died down and the cameras moved on, he found himself handling the ramifications of his past plan. Exhaustion, lack of direction, and a void existed around the thing he’d dedicated his life to.

He took stock of this and decided that if he was to go again - this time, he’d enjoy it.

Next time

Many guys achieve incredible transformations by white knuckling their approach, losing 20-30lbs, getting stronger, and snapping that 1 picture on the beach that they feel proud of and confident in. It’s all good until they don’t know what to do next to sustain it. 40lbs of weight gain later and after not going to the gym more than a few times in the last 6 months, and they’re back to the beginning and staring down the barrel of another grueling diet and training overhaul.

This is the price we pay for not enjoying the process and only focusing on the outcomes.

This time

At builtXyou, we work with busy guys to design a comprehensive plan to help you enjoy the efforts to achieve your goals, setting you up to sustain them long term. If you’re tired of white knuckling your health, fitness, and physique efforts once per year, and are ready to enjoy your training and diet so that you can live the life you want in a body you are confident in and proud of, then apply for one of our limited monthly coaching spots below today.