Eddy's Blog
Why it’s Taking You So Long to Achieve Your Goals.
Why it’s Taking You So Long to Achieve Your Goals
Getting motivated and setting personal health, fitness and well-being goals can at times seem like an overwhelming task. As a result, it is seemingly easier to justify (in our own minds) putting these tasks aside for another day….but when does that day arrive, if ever? Being focused and prepared are absolutely essential components of achieving your goals, however, there are a number of important factors you need to consider to ensure success and ongoing motivation. With over 30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, 20 of which I gained in instructional positions, here are some important considerations:
- Progress
By far, this is the number 1 most important, motivating and extrinsic factor required for long term success. If your goal is to lose weight, become stronger, enhance lean tissue, put on muscle or otherwise, progress will provide you with the motivation required to keep going. If you have been training for years but have not progressed, then perhaps you are content to maintain your current ‘status quo’, however this is rare and an exception to the rule. Generally those that continue to progress, even after they have achieved their goals, are significantly more likely to continue on long term. If you have not been progressing then speak to a credible fitness expert who can provide you with proof of past success. - Keeping Track
If you’re unaware of how far you have progressed since day 1 then it’s easy to lose motivation and focus. Sometimes photos or images of where you commenced, including diaries of training schedules or programs, can be very positive reference points. Not only can these formats provide you with motivation, but also plenty of information. You may find that one training program or meal plan was very effective in comparison to slower results from other methods. - Remaining Focused
It’s not uncommon to find yourself losing focus and lacking the drive to continue on. You need to know this is a normal process and happens to the very best of us from time to time. Even well-known elite sportspeople and champions in their field go ‘off track’ from time to time. It doesn’t pay to be too hard on yourself. Instead accept what has occurred and jump straight back into your routine to continue on with your goals. Having a partner that is sharing your journey, keeping logs, taking images, setting reminders etc., are all fundamental parts of remaining focused and staying on track. Mixing things up a little or taking a short break may in fact assist with keeping you on track in the long term. - Reverting Back to Old Habits
Do you know what a cheat meal is? Do you know how it feels to get lazy? Do you understand that sometimes other priorities take over? Of course you do! Most of these are habits that we have all experienced at some stage but for some it’s far too often. Consistent good habits feed positive thoughts and the positive cycle continues and becomes second nature. The more consistent you are, the more difficult it becomes to revert back to old habits. Routine and consistency will make a significant difference, and you are more likely to see greater progress as a result.
Patience is important however it is in our nature to want to see some results early on, particularly if we need that extra motivation or focus to remain on target. If you are eating and exercising accordingly and remaining positive you will most likely continue to progress and eventually get to your goal. One of the keys is to try to enjoy the journey. It all comes down to how important it is for you to achieve your goals. If other priorities take over then you need to need to change your mindset and attitude. Only you yourself can make this happen. So how badly do you really want it?
Eddy Tannourji
Eddy Tannourji has been passionate about health and fitness since he was 15. With over 15 years of experience training the Victoria Police force and 8 years of running his own health and fitness facility, Eddy has coached hundreds of individuals, including many athletes, to help them reach their goals.
Currently, Eddy serves as the Managing Director of Next Generation Supplements. He also has an impressive competitive record in athletic physique competitions, with numerous state and national titles, as well as world rankings.
Drawing from his 30-year career, Eddy provides a wealth of knowledge on exercise, nutrition, and supplementation. His approach combines both anecdotal insights and scientific evidence, presented in a simple and easy-to-understand way.