Train your brain

9 Dec

How Positive Self-Talk Fuels Your gainz, Strength & Success

Training is more than just the numbers on the bar—it’s about how you **feel** when you’re there, how you **tackle** challenges, and how you grow both **mentally** and **physically**.

One of the most overlooked tools in your lifting journey?

**Positive self-talk and self-compassion.** Let’s dig in.

The way you speak to yourself matters. Your inner dialogue can be the difference between feeling empowered or defeated, enjoying your training or dreading it, staying consistent or burning out.

Here’s why shifting your mindset is so crucial—and how you can start today.

The Ripple Effect of Self-Talk: Thoughts Become Actions

Your inner voice doesn’t just stay in your head; it affects everything you do.

Thoughts become feelings.
When you’re critical of yourself—focusing on what you didn’t do or what didn’t go right—it fuels frustration, self-doubt, and negativity. Positive self-talk, on the other hand, creates a sense of possibility and growth.
Feelings become actions.
If you believe you’re capable, you’re more likely to show up, push through challenges, and put in the work. If you tell yourself you’re not good enough, you might hold back or skip altogether.
Actions become habits.
Small, consistent actions, driven by a positive mindset, shape the habits that lead to long-term success.
Habits become reality.
Over time, how you think, feel, and act defines what you achieve—and how you enjoy the process.

Why It Matters for Your Goals and Enjoyment

Self-compassion isn’t just a feel-good concept; it’s a game-changer for your performance, consistency, and mental health.

1️⃣ For your goals:
Every lifter faces setbacks, plateaus, and tough days. Self-compassion helps you navigate these moments without giving up or spiraling into frustration. It keeps you focused on progress rather than perfection.

2️⃣ For your mental health:
Negative self-talk adds unnecessary stress to an already demanding sport. Celebrating your effort and showing yourself kindness lightens the mental load and makes training more sustainable.

3️⃣ For your performance:
When you shift your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to,” training becomes more rewarding. You start to focus on what’s going right, not just what needs fixing—and that boosts both motivation and results.

4️⃣ For your enjoyment:
At the end of the day, training is something you choose to do. Self-compassion makes the journey more fun, meaningful, and fulfilling.

How to Improve Your Self-Talk Starting Today

Making a mindset shift doesn’t require a massive overhaul. It’s about small, intentional changes that you practice daily.

1. Notice your inner dialogue.
When you miss a lift or have an off session, what’s the first thing you say to yourself? Is it constructive or critical?

2. Reframe negativity.
Instead of “I’ll never get this,” try “This is tough, but I’m improving every session.” Instead of “Why bother?” try “Every effort I make brings me closer to my goals.”

3. Celebrate small wins.
Did you show up for a session even though you were tired? Did your bar path improve? Recognising these moments reminds you of the progress you’re making.

4. Treat yourself like a teammate.
Would you tell a teammate they’re hopeless after a missed lift? Probably not. Give yourself the same encouragement you’d offer someone else.

5. Reflect on your growth.
Take a few minutes after training to write down one thing you’re proud of. Over time, this builds a more positive and balanced perspective.

The Community Effect

The beauty of lifting is that it’s never a solo journey. Your teammates and training partners reflect the energy you bring. When you show up with positivity, resilience, and a growth mindset, it not only lifts you up but inspires those around you. Training isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s also about lifting each other.

Your Next Step

Take a moment to reflect: