Desire drives actions. Why are you involved in bodybuilding? Bodybuilding, for all its benefits, is a deeply inconvenient lifestyle at times. Yes, the health benefits are undeniable, and they motivate many to start. But let’s not sugarcoat it—sometimes it’s downright grueling. Waking up at 5 a.m. for a workout or hitting the gym at 9 p.m. after a long day isn’t for the faint-hearted. Then there’s the diet: drinking a thick protein shake before bed that feels more like a dare than a meal or watching your friends indulge in pizza while you stick to chicken and broccoli. None of this happens by accident—it requires planning, discipline, and, most importantly, a reason strong enough to keep you going.
Why are you involved in bodybuilding? This question isn’t just rhetorical. It’s a deeply personal inquiry that can define the trajectory of your fitness journey. For some, it’s about health—warding off illness or ensuring longevity. For others, it might be about aesthetics, gaining confidence, or reclaiming a sense of self-worth. Perhaps it’s about athletics, competing with peers, or striving for a level of performance that demands respect. Then there’s revenge—proving to someone, or maybe yourself, that you are capable of extraordinary things. Whatever your reason, it must be powerful enough to push you through the moments of doubt.
The Struggle is Real—And It’s Okay
I remember times when the struggle felt insurmountable. I’ve walked out of the gym mid-session, leaving my training partner bewildered. I’ve tossed a protein shake down the drain because the thought of finishing it made me nauseous. There was the time I found myself lifting two benches away from Omar Deckard in Los Angeles, feeling utterly small and inadequate. But here’s the thing—these moments of discouragement are normal. They’re a part of the journey. What separates those who succeed from those who don’t is not the absence of struggle but the ability to persevere despite it.
If you’re feeling stuck or defeated, give yourself permission to feel that way. Allow the disappointment to wash over you, but don’t let it linger. Take a step back, regroup, and remind yourself why you started. That reason—the one that ignited your passion in the first place—is what will carry you through. It’s your compass, guiding you back to the path when you feel lost.
Planning: The Bridge Between Goals and Results
Let’s talk about planning, a critical yet often overlooked component of success in bodybuilding. Achieving your goals isn’t about willpower alone—it’s about preparation. Your meals need to be prepped, your workouts planned, and your schedule aligned with your ambitions. Without planning, the best intentions crumble under the weight of convenience and impulse. If you don’t prepare your meals, you’ll find yourself at the mercy of fast food. If you don’t have a workout plan, you’ll wander aimlessly in the gym, wasting time and effort. Planning is not just about logistics; it’s a declaration of your commitment to your goals.
There’s a profound difference between eating on purpose and eating out of convenience. Eating on purpose means every bite you take is aligned with your goals. It means prioritizing protein-dense foods, avoiding empty calories, and understanding that every meal is an opportunity to fuel your body for growth. Convenience is the enemy of progress. It’s what leads to mediocre results and unmet potential. Your reason for bodybuilding must be strong enough to keep you disciplined, even when temptation looms large.
The Reward Awaits
What happens if you quit? It’s a simple yet powerful question. If you give up, you’ll never reach the body you desire. But if you persevere, something incredible awaits you. One day, someone will stop you and say, “Wow, you look amazing!” That moment, fleeting as it may be, is a testament to your hard work and dedication. It’s a validation of your reason, your effort, and your resilience. And it’s worth every early morning workout, every bland meal, and every moment of doubt.
Bodybuilding is not just about building muscle—it’s about building character. It’s about proving to yourself that you can set a goal and achieve it. It’s about transforming not just your body but your mindset. So, as you prepare for tomorrow’s workout or plan your meals for the week, remember why you started. Your reason is your anchor, your fuel, and your fire. Let it guide you, drive you, and inspire you to reach new heights.
Your Time is Now
There’s no better time than now to commit to your goals. Life doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and let your reason propel you forward. Bodybuilding is a journey, not a destination. It’s a lifestyle that demands discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus. But the rewards—both physical and mental—are worth every ounce of effort. So, take a deep breath, refocus your energy, and step into the gym with purpose. Your time is now.
