After doing personal training for a number of years now, I've really given lots of thought as to why some clients see success and others don't.  Not just my clients, but those of other trainers' as well-and the students I have in class ... After 13 years in the industry, and observing the collective experiences of so many, there are some things I see as common denominators.  Well ... maybe just one really.

What I'm about to say seems painfully obvious .... but true.  Simply put, those who succeed made up their minds to succeed.  The ones who don't, didn't ... not fully.

It all starts with a decision ... I mean deep-down and fully committed decision.  Those who make the choice, find a way to do what they need to do-even when it's hard-even when it's inconvenient-even when it requires extra steps-even when life throws curveballs-even when the best-laid plans changed ... I'm sure you get the picture by now.  It's that simple. 

If they have to travel, throwing a wrench into the structure they've built on a daily basis in terms of where to work out, where & how to eat, available time, etc. ... they find a way ANYWAY.  They research available gyms where they'll be going; they'll utilize a workout DVD, they'll pack & use their walking/running shoes, etc.  They will request a fridge in their room, grocery shop whenever possible, and special order from restaurants in whatever means necessary.

If there's a family emergency and they can no longer stick to the workout times planned, they'll create new ones.  They'll get up earlier in the morning-even when it downright SUCKS.  They'll utilize what's normally downtime to make up for it.  They'll do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, because they realize that something is better than nothing.

When their work schedule gets changed and they're going crazy from too much on their plate ... or when they get injured and physically cannot do what they could before .... they will do SOMETHING, ANYTHING.  They will ask themselves what they CAN do and not focus on what they cannot do.  They'll try different times and formats they never tried before.  They recognize the value of momentum.  Even if their training sessions aren't as intense, even if their workouts are shorter or easier, they know how important it is do SOMETHING, ANYTHING. 

They know that once they let that momentum go, it can be sooooo hard-mentally-to get it back.  So they hold onto it.  Even when they don't feel like it.  They're willing to incorporate outside accountability systems when need be ... whether it's by utilizing a personal trainer, paying for classes, etc.  They put an investment on the line that gives them that push when they may lack it from the inside that day.

I can still go on and on and on.  The bottom line is, those who succeed make the choice.  It starts in the mind.  If they find themselves focusing on the can'ts, they shift their focus to the cans.  If they assume something isn't possible, they'll ask themselves "Really?  But technically IS it possible?"  These simple mental strategies can be all that's necessary to flip that switch inside making new actions, behaviors and eventual lifestyle changes possible.  It starts in the mind.  What limitations have you set?  You might not even know they're there ... be honest with yourself.  Question every limitation and ask yourself if that's REALLY the case.  There's a difference between can't and won't.  Don't kid yourself into believing that a won't is a can't.  Just TRY ... and not just once.  Try multiple times and give each option a fair shot.  You'd be surprised how many can'ts turn to won'ts which turn to can then evenutally .... DO!  Getting the hang of these mental shifts open up never-ending possibilities.  The sky is the limit ... if you allow.