CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE May/June 2021 | Page 12

THINK LIKE AN ATHLE by RONAN BYRNE

Of the many clients I have worked with , the single biggest challenge is getting them to think and feel like an athlete . One client , in particular , would not even buy proper workout clothes until she felt like she belonged in the gym . Ironically it is the exact opposite approach that is the most effective . Act and believe you are an athlete first , and the body you want and the goals you have set are much more likely to become a reality . Waiting to feel like you belong or until you feel fit enough , you may never start or struggle unnecessarily .
You are what you think you are . If you BELIEVE you are an athlete , you will act as an athlete , train like an athlete , and treat your body like an athlete . The physicality ( the muscles , the superpowers ) will come . Action and effort , not wanting to be motivated or READY , is what leads to results .
Athletes think about their bodies differently ; they work out , stay motivated , and define goals , all different than the amateur . And their way is highly effective .
HOW THE ATHLETE THINKS They Dream Huge
It ’ s tough to get ( and stay ) excited about a lacklustre achievement or goal . “ When the goal is modest , it can undermine the optimism and motivation it requires to achieve that result ,” Nothing that comes easily is ever appreciated and will not keep you motivated . So , dream big . If you want to get in shape , go for it , aim for 10 % body fat and 6 pack abs . Want to run a marathon , pick a time that challenges you , go sub 4 hours or even sub 3 hours . Do an Ironman Triathlon , whatever it is make it big .
They Practice Small
Dream big but practice small . Professional athletes call it Chopping stone . You ’ re chipping away at something over time with small goals instead of solely thinking about the big win at the end . Set daily and weekly micro goals . Micro goals add up over time and compound into something huge .
They are an Athlete 24 / 7
They are athletes 24 hours a day , and as athletes , every choice from what to eat to when to go to bed affects their daily performance and outcome . Identifying yourself as an athlete has a way of revealing bad habits that may be holding you back ,” it ’ s less difficult to pass up a glass of wine or skip the dessert when you frame it as sabotaging your workout versus cheating . Re-framing it in a positive way makes it something to strive for , something

“ It ’ s not some grand action that gets you to the podium ...”

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