• What You Do Right Now Is the Most Important Thing in the World

Every single action you take toward your fitness goals is important, but unless you make each step the most important thing in the world, you will never get the results you are capable of getting.  Adopt the mindset that as you exercise, this work out session is the most important thing in the world: this intense cardio session is the most important thing in the world, this post-workout meal is the most important thing in the world, etc. 

• Be the Best YOU Possible

Strive to be the best version of you that you possibly can, regardless of your genetic limitations. We all have natural weaknesses. We all have natural strengths. However, we are not powerless against our genetics. We can choose to work with our weaknesses and capitalize on our strengths.  Sometimes, simply having a plan that we have confidence in and we consistently strive toward is all we need to feel great about the challenges we face. 

• There’s Always More
  

There is always more you can do in order to get better in your fitness training efforts. You  are never forced to settle for what you know or what you can do right now. It does not matter what you have or have not accomplished in the past. There’s always room for improvement!

• Results Are What Matter

Results matter most. Never forget this. Never get complacent or comfortable just because you check a lot of tasks off your list every day or you use strategies that your friends all agree are the best. To paraphrase John Wooden, never confuse activity for accomplishment. There is a big difference between the two. If you are not getting the results you want, you are probably working too hard on the wrong things.  However, be sure to enjoy the process of getting to the results – make each work out session FUN and you will soon meet your goals!

• Use Science, but Do Not Make it Your Religion
  

Strive to use the latest and most effective scientific research to help you reach your training goals. Just remember that a slim and trim physique and overall good health is your ultimate goal – not the fact that you use science.  Similarly, a person priding himself/herself on being a business school graduate but losing sight of the fact he/she wants to become a successful businessman/woman. A well-educated fitness enthusiast should not be satisfied with the knowledge he or she earn when it is not producing results.

• Look for Effectiveness, Not Perfection
  

An exercise program does not need to be optimal in order to be effective. An optimal program, without desire and determination, can be just as ineffective as a terrible program. Although perfect is great, you do not always need the perfect exercise routine if your head and heart are in the right place.  If you believe that you are already using “perfect” strategies and you still struggle, then do some soul-searching. Be honest with yourself and evaluate your desire and determination.

• Let Yourself Be Motivated by Others

When you see people who have better physiques than yours, admire them. Use what they have accomplished as a source of inspiration. Do not assume they have done anything extraordinary to get that body, were blessed with perfect genes, or are using drugs.  Even though their physiques may be far beyond what you currently believe is possible for you, use them as a source of motivation for achieving your ideal physique and overall health.

• Associate with People at Your Level or Higher

Make sure the people you spend your time with are at least as determined, optimistic, and driven as you are to reach their definition of success.  People who are at your level or above think the way you need to think and actually do the things that you must do in order to succeed.

• The Basics Work
  

They are not always glamorous, but the basics work. That’s how they became the basics.  New, different, and exciting strategies are appealing, but will they help you get the results you want or just overwhelm and confuse you? Until you reach an expert level, you do not have the knowledge to assess new techniques. You could end up dumping a solid strategy for one that is not going to work.  It is like passing up a solid truck that was actually a monster for a shiny new car that turns out to have a puny engine.  Simple, basic exercises can be just as effective as exercises that are fancy and complex!

• Keep Moving Forward
  

Are you in a slump? Reached a plateau? This too shall pass, so keep on keepin’ on, and remember to mix up your exercise routines. You will climb your way back to machine-like progress if you just keep focused on your measurable and attainable goals, even if you are not executing them as well as you would like right now.

• If You Think It, You Must Do It

Make the commitment to stop questioning that part of you that knows who you are and what you are capable of doing. Step up, and trust your instincts. Do what the real winner inside of you instructs you to do. When you are about to begin a set and your first thought is to pick up the 50-pound dumbbells, then do it! Do not talk yourself out of it. When you know you really should do at least eight reps during your next set with the weight you chose, do not rationalize and decide that less than eight reps is acceptable.

• Potential Is Meaningless Until Actualized
  

In order to have a lean physique and good overall health, do not waste your time asking anyone what is your “potential.” In life, you either do it or you don’t. You don’t need anyone else’s approval or validation to go for what you want.  No one cares about your success more than you. No one has more to lose if you fail than you. Take charge of your destiny and do not let anyone derail your future.

• Measure from Start to Finish
  

The most successful person creates the largest gap between where they started and where they are now. The person who starts with few advantages but works his/her tail off to produce remarkable results is far more successful than the person who is extremely gifted and only ends up with good results.  Stop comparing your current situation to other people who appear to be more advanced, and start focusing on crossing the longest distance you can!