Are You a Special Snowflake?
Are You a Special Snowflake?
The Trap of Self-Limiting Beliefs
All of us like to feel unique and social media promotes the idea of that we are all special individuals aka “special snowflakes”. We live in an age of hyper-personalization. After all, doesn’t Spotify suggest the perfect songs just for you? Doesn’t Amazon suggest the perfect product for your virtual shopping cart? Doesn’t Facebook pop up with personalized ads that will make you look younger, be fitter, stronger, and more in control of your life? (Remember the blog on real self-care vs. false self-care????). So, we must be special, right?
Sorry, folks. Yes, we are all individuals and unique in our own way, but as trainer Marcus Filly points out,
| “While we are all individuals with different goals and needs, ultimately the same standard set of trusted principles works for everyone, every time.” |
When it comes to fitness and weight loss, we’ve all said it:
- I’ve tried everything and nothing works
- My metabolism is broken
- My hormones are out of control
- It won’t work for me because I’m a…shift worker, new parent, vegan, etc, etc, etc.
It’s these self-limiting beliefs that are getting in the way of our progress.
Marcus Filly says,
| “…in the fitness world, you can find a training program designed for your exact level, preferences, schedule, and equipment, and a meal plan for precisely what you like to eat. If these things help you get further toward your goals, that’s wonderful. But there’s a downside to getting too hung up on the details. You might attribute your success to having everything lined up just right – while losing sight of the big picture that the basics done consistently are all you really need.” |
So, how does the new mother get back to her pre-pregnancy weight and shape? How does the skinny guy put on muscle? How does the overweight office worker lose those extra pounds?
First, shift that mental belief of “It won’t work for me” to “I will trust the plan, follow the steps, and chip away at obstacles as they come up.”
What is the plan? It’s getting back to the basics:
- Track what you eat and hit your protein and calorie goals daily (but remember, make dietary changes slowly so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Even small changes will add up over time if done consistently)
- Measure your steps and walk more
- Strength train 3X a week (If you can only make 2 sessions, that’s fine, too, as long as you do it consistently)
- Sleep 6 to 8 hours a night
- Weigh yourself regularly and take measurements
- Take photos monthly. We often can’t see the changes in our own bodies, but the pictures will reveal the truth. You’ll likely be surprised by just how much progress you’ve made!
- Lastly, review the data you’ve collected and make adjustments. Not losing weight fast enough? Then lower your caloric intake and increase your energy output. Not getting stronger? Then consider that you might not be eating enough quality minimally processed foods to support your exercise regime. Up your protein to aid in repair and make sure to include rest days in your workout plan.
Reaching our fitness goals isn’t about what we do so much as it’s about what we do CONSISTENTLY. Even little changes to our diet or exercise plans, if carried out consistently, will add up and help us progress. Never give up.
Your metabolism isn’t broken.
You CAN do this!!
BONUS: In preparation of a new training cycle beginning on September 9th, Monarch Fitness is offering a FREE goal setting workshop on Sunday, September 1st at 7:00 pm EST. If interested in joining, please contact Matty at [email protected]
