The only way you'll see results is if you stay consistent...
I recently competed at the Natural Olympia in Reno, Nevada and won both the Open Women's Bodybuilding (tall class) and Open Women's Physique (tall class) Divisions, and went on to win the Overall Miss Olympia title for the Amateur Physique Division. I'd like to share some of the learning I've gained on my journey to get to this point, as so many people ask me "how do you do it?"
So, this series I've entitled "Summer Sizzlers" will look at a few topics, starting with: Consistency. Often I've been asked how I was able to lose 20kg in one year and transform from unfit and unhappy to World Champion Bodybuilder. The answer is Consistency. It is undeniably the most important aspect I got right.
Success in bodybuilding takes discipline and dedication, just as anything worth having in life takes hard work and some sacrifice. I needed to change my diet and exercise routine, but simply I really had to change my lifestyle. In order for this change to be meaningful it had to be consistent. I had tried to get it right before but my efforts were inconsistent (2-3 days eating well followed by 2 weeks eating junk!). It was almost unbelievable the changes that occurred to my body when I started to eat clean and train hard everyday. Perhaps hard work and sacrifice on the surface don't sound like fun, but if we're honest with ourselves what is truly no fun is desperately wanting something but never getting it.
It may seem obvious that in order to be consistent we need to have goals in place and work towards them. However, most of us don't really know what we want. This leaves us feeling aimless when instead we could wake up every morning knowing what we want, excited to tackle challenges in their pursuit. I strongly recommend devoting some time and energy into developing some short- and long-term goals and writing them down. Make sure they're specific and measureable, and then you can begin the journey towards accomplishing them!
My ability to be consistent relies on a number of factors, one of which is preparation, which I talked about in a previous blog. Even though the changes were difficult initially, they quickly became my normal routine, and new habits became my lifestyle. A lifestyle that I enjoy and embrace! I truly love my clean diet and exercise regime, not just because of the success I've had with bodybuilding but because I feel good, mentally and physically. Consistency does become easier the more consistent we are.
While I hate to be the bearer of bad news, someone has to set the record straight with regards to the flawed, mixed messages we're bombarded with. Messages such as "6-pack abs in 6-weeks" or "top secrets to lose fat fast" are unfair because we start to think that these things are quick and easy to obtain, and the truth is they're not. We get despondent when we don't see instantaneous results. Six-pack abs and/or fat loss are most certainly attainable, but do not happen overnight and require consistent disciplined effort. Once we understand this it is easier to apply the effort continuously, and enjoy each small progression on the road to our objectives. The same applies for all pursuits, be it in business, studies, or even relationships.
Okay, so now with two weeks to go to Christmas and holidays, I don't mean to say that consistency should mean constant sacrifice! Rather my aim is to inspire you to work at your goals as I strongly believe that we can all have whatever we want if we consistently strive to make our dreams a reality. However, next week I'm going to post about variety because once the consistency element is in place, is important to find balance, and maintain stimulation. So make sure to come back next week!