Building the Basics: Setting the Stage for Success
Have you ever hit a slump in your fitness or nutrition routine and felt the urge to sign up for something—anything—to kickstart your motivation? You’re not alone. Many of us have been there, myself included. The idea of committing to an event, like a competition or race, often feels like the perfect solution. You pick something far enough in the future to give yourself plenty of time to prepare, thinking this will force you to stick to a plan.
But here’s the catch: without an established routine, that time can slip away. Suddenly, you’re a month out, realizing you haven’t put in the work. Panic sets in as you scramble to build strength, improve cardio, or nail down movements. You push too hard, risking injury, or feel stuck because the results aren’t coming fast enough. The event comes and goes—you may even back out—and instead of feeling accomplished, you’re left with disappointment.
Sound familiar? If so, keep reading.
Rethinking Motivation
Motivation can be a slippery thing. We often chase big, shiny goals that don’t align with where we are right now. I’m all for dreaming big, but to reach those dreams, you need a clear, realistic plan grounded in your current reality.
I often hear people say, “I’m an all-or-nothing person.” That mindset can be powerful, but ask yourself: has it been truly helpful? If you’re feeling stuck, it might be time to try a different approach.
Start Small, Build Consistency
If you’re considering signing up for a competition, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Assess Your Current Routine
Take an honest look at how often you’re working out. Most events require consistent training, often 4-6 days per week. If you’re currently working out twice a week, don’t jump straight to six. Start by adding one more day and focus on hitting three consistently. It’s tempting to go all in, but making smaller, sustainable changes is key to avoiding burnout and frustration.
2. Evaluate Your Nutrition
Ask yourself:
- Am I eating regular, balanced meals, or am I skipping any?
- Am I including protein in every meal?
- Am I getting a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains?
If you’re skipping lunch or sticking to the same limited foods, start there. Commit to packing a balanced lunch every day. Once that becomes a habit, work on adding variety and improving meal composition. Trying to overhaul everything at once can feel overwhelming, especially when initial motivation starts to fade.
Consistency Over Perfection
The goal is to make health and fitness a part of your daily routine. This takes time and consistency—even when you’re not feeling particularly motivated. Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can shift your focus from just showing up to optimizing your efforts. This might mean increasing intensity, learning new skills, or dialing in your nutrition.
When you’ve reached this point—whether it takes a month, three months, or more—you’ll be in a position to tackle that competition with confidence. Instead of feeling unprepared, you’ll be building on a strong base and fine-tuning your performance.
Embrace the Journey
Imagine starting a competition without a solid routine, competing against people who’ve been training consistently for months or even years. It’s a recipe for frustration and disappointment.
The key is to stop trying to skip to the end. Appreciate the journey. Build your habits. Celebrate small wins. By doing so, you’ll not only feel better prepared, but you’ll also enjoy the process of becoming your best self.
Start small. Stay consistent. Trust the journey. That’s how you build the basics—and that’s how you win, both in fitness and in life.
