The Problem with Excitement in Training: Why Habits Matter More

Anyone close to me knows that I rarely get very excited. When I used to work in the fitness industry – which is all about excitement – this has always been a bit of a challenge for me.

This actually helped me a lot when starting my Injury Prevention and Athletic Performance business. Yes, technical knowledge about training was very important. Enabling clients to implement this knowledge was equally important.

The problem with excitement is that it’s fleeting. What felt like a great idea yesterday might feel “meh” three weeks later. Like anything tied to emotions. Emotions change.

I’ve seen this happen too many times while working in big gyms. We all know what “January syndrome” is. Or “summer is coming” and other similar trends.

Whatever your problem is. Injuries, lack of flexibility or speed or strength – and by extension performance, my advice to you is this. By all means, get excited—but get excited about celebrating your habits first.

For example, celebrate hitting a certain number of sessions per week. The key is to celebrate habits, not outcomes. It’s too early to focus on outcomes. It will take time for your habits to produce outcomes. Sometimes long time.

Only later, when you’re confident in your habits, you can start celebrating performance goals—whatever outcomes you’ve set for yourself.

Find Your Rhythm
Finding your rhythm is crucial. It will reinforce your behaviors and help you stay consistent.

If you miss your goals, take time to reflect. Why didn’t it happen? What were the triggers and obstacles?

Then, work on removing those obstacles, even if it’s bit by bit. It makes no difference how fast you go as long as you keep moving forward.

Rinse and repeat.

That’s a winning formula.