We live in an instant gratification society. Everyone is looking for a quick fix, or a magic pill. But there is only one magic pill that can help you achieve your health and fitness goals, and it’s a bitter pill to swallow. What is it? A proprietary blend of hard work, consistency, and accountability.

Theoretically, it’ simple to make progress. Want to bulk up? Eat more calories than you burn on the reg and focus your training on hypertrophy. Want to lose weight? Burn more calories than you eat, maintain strength, and your body composition will follow. Unfortunately, simple isn’t easy.

It takes effort to achieve your goals. It takes consistent planning, and consistent adherence. And life gets in the way. Work, family, and other priorities can frequently interfere with your training (and writing) goals. You’re going to fall off the wagon. It’s okay, it’s normal, and it’s part of the process. So, shift your mindset – consistency doesn’t need to be viewed in the short term. It’s the long term that counts.

• Your 2 months of eating whatever the hell you want 24/7 are only 17% of the year.
• Your 2 weeks of vacation and 3 weeks of crunch time at work, in which you couldn’t train, are only 9.6% of the year.
• If you go off the rails every weekend, that’s 104 days out of 365, or 28.5% of the year. Maaaaaybe avoid doing this EVERY weekend.

The point is, IT’S OKAY if you fall off your path from time to time. Let yourself off the hook so that you don’t feel guilty. But recognize that you have the power to get back on track and hold yourself accountable. Recognize that this is a process. You can fall off over, and over, and over again. Keep getting back on, and eventually, it will stick. Work hard, be as consistent as you can, and hold yourself accountable. When life gets in the way, acknowledge it, and then move on. And, if you need help with accountability or suggestions on how to fix something, reach out to a coach. That’s what we’re here for. See you in the gym.