Never doubt your confidence in the gym ever again

Confidence as a default in our lives does not exist. It is something you build.

Whaaat?

Confidence is not something that you are born with. It is a belief that you are capable of succeeding at something. A belief that you look good in the gym. A belief that you know what you are doing. A belief that you are doing it right.

Confidence is the result of our thoughts and actions. Think about it.

When you think of something, get out of your comfort zone and do it, succeed and the next time you’ll have confidence to do it.

I think it is quite understandable that confidence is a buildable and not a heritable thing.

The truth behind it

You need to understand that not always getting out of your comfort zone will bring you something good. A prize or something. No. You can and will fail at some point in something.

But, you shouldn’t rely on external actions to build or bring down your self-worth.

It’s been scientifically proven, that the things we believe in - positive or negative- are the things that shape our actions. For example, if you believe that smoking doesn’t do much of an impact on your health, you won’t quit. The good thing is, that we can actually change the way we behave and think at any age.

Thank god, because otherwise a lot of people would’ve ended up in the rock bottom.

A hero to many

Let’s take another example, Robert Downey Junior. I think you definitely know, he was a drug addict. It started small but escalated really quickly. He went from just a little of weed to big boy drugs real quick.

A few arrests, failure to fulfil professional commitments. He was at a point in his life where he almost lost his job and a family. He decided to change his beliefs and get sober.

Look at him now. He is known as the Iron Man. The role model to people all around the world. An example of self-growth and much more.

It took him 12 years, 2 arrests, 2 rehabs, but he did it. Don’t think that he succeeded the first time, no, he did it until he won. He overcame his failures.

It is what we believe that shapes our lives.

So, how do you train those beliefs and apply them to feel confident in the gym? Let me tell you just that.

Why is it important

Again, you’ll have to go through a process of building it little by little, step by step. It can take a long time, but trust me, it is so worth it in the end.

Firstly you’ll have to change the way you think. Flip the negative to positive and vice versa, depending on the situation. It’s basically the same as affirmations.

Then, action. Use your set goals as a map, as a guide. Don’t be delusional. There will for sure be a lot of downfalls, but it is your choice to pick yourself up and try again and again until you succeed.

Lastly, reward. In the end, you get what you came for - confidence. Next time you won’t be so scared. You’ll do it with confidence, expecting a good outcome. Most of the time you will get just that.

Cheat sheet

For example, if you’re scared of going to the gym because you think your form is bad, think that you have the form in the world. Keep repeating that in your head until you believe it.

Then, work on the form. Try seeking for a good form. You can always ask a fellow gym member for an opinion on it. If he says something needs to be corrected, do just that. Remember, not always others’ opinions should matter. If you’re scared, practise it at home next to a mirror until you get it.

In the end, you’ll be enjoying your form on any of the exercises. Your confidence will be skyrocketing. You’ll be helping others with their forms.

Gym confidence adds up not only from having a good form. It’s a lot of factors. Trust me, I went through it. The way you perform will depend on how you feel. Gym outfits - a thing you should consider. Personally, I love a sweatpants and a hoodie combo. That doesn’t mean that I hate my body. I’m simply comfortable in them, and that makes me perform better. If you don’t, it’s okay. It’s your body and your journey. You choose what makes you comfortable.

The end of beginning

To summarise, it is what you believe that’ll lead your way. Use them wisely. Don’t forget that you can change everything you don’t like or don’t believe in anymore. It will take some work, but again, no one is going to serve you anything on a silver platter. Only through hard work and time, you’ll be able to achieve your goals.

Don’t stop. Fail, learn, repeat, succeed. That’s how your life should go. Not the other way around.

If you actually read and thought about it, my advice should change the way you act. Even a little bit. If so, my purpose is fulfilled and i’m happy for you and me.

Believe in yourself.

“Bring it. Build it. Become it.” — Peloton instructor Sam Yo