Today’s article is part two of my series on Why You Aren’t Getting Positive Results. I will specifically address the five ways to fix the bad habits that tend to hold us back when pursuing our health and fitness goals.

1. Fix That Miserable Programming

You have three choices.

• Choice 1 is to learn about the training methods that have worked for many. Chances are they will work for you too. The Internet is full of useful information, however it’s more so crowded with garbage. I only recommend a few places to seek out that information. Body Recomposition, HST, DC Training, Bill Starr 5×5, Starting Strength and Clutch Fitness are good places to get you started.
• Choice 2 is to hire someone more knowledgeable than yourself. Someone who knows more than you and has more experience can save you lots of wasted time and effort only if you will implement what they are advising.
• Choice 3 is to continue doing what isn’t working. This is probably the most common choice people will make anyhow. I know I cannot save the world… oh well.

2. Take Control Of Your Diet

This is really easy. Depending on your fitness goals, tailor your energy intake specifically to your activity. If you are wanting to lose weight, create a deficit, keep protein high and train sensibly. If you want to build muscle, create a surplus that will foster new growth. For most, this does include counting calories. As bad as that may sound, it is crucial to your success. For many, counting calories is the only way to long-term weight management but be sure not to let it consume you.

3. If Your Trainer Sucks, Give Them The Boot

Nothing new here. Most trainers are incompetent as I stated in the last article. Good trainers are only needed for two types of people. The first group is the newbies who have no experience whatsoever – no matter if their goals are to lose weight, build muscle or strength training. The second group are the folks who need constant accountability or feel they need constant attention.  I personally like working with people for a period of time just long enough to get them going on their own. Of course the education does not stop here but I like to get people started on the right foot and thinking outside of what they are used to thinking. This ensures they are learning the correct information to continue succeeding on their own without any further hand holding.

4. Control Your Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies

If you go through life being obsessive about every little thing, you are certain to be miserable. Bodybuilders are notorious for being the most anal people on planet earth when it comes to training and diet. Many of them are also known to be social pariahs for their fear of eating a meal out. They think that being unable to count the macros of that meal or not getting 4,347.678 calories per day is going to sabotage their efforts. Worrying about the small stuff is a huge waste of time and mental effort, not to mention the unnecessary stress you are inflicting upon yourself. Live a little.

5. Patience Young Grasshopper

Finally, that word I used to hate. Patience. Ever since I was just a little guy, patience has been something I always struggled with. However I did learn later in life how important patience is in any endeavor, especially during my athletic years. Patience is key to any success. How do you get better at something? You do it over and over with lots of patience. You should also seek feedback so you can adjust when necessary. Achieving specific goals, fitness related or not requires dedication. If you are diligent in your pursuits while maintaining an open mind to learn and grow, anything can be accomplished.

So in light of the series, how do you deal with your health and fitness related struggles?