As I work with people on fitness lifestyle coaching, I have learned that your most powerful tool is your mind.   Or, I should really say that your most powerful tool is your MADE-UP mind. Once you make up your mind about something, it is there to stay. 

Commitment

Making up your mind means you have committed to something and will stick to it.  I work with a couple of guys who have very different ways of thinking about being active, exercising and working on their physical fitness.  One of the guys has trouble getting up in the morning and then once he is up, he decides if he is in the mood to work out.  Many days he decides he is not in the mood.  Then at the end of the week, he is not happy about his progress. 

The other guy has his mind made up on what he will do before he goes to bed at night.  He plans out his morning, his workout, he gets out his clothes, and sets his alarm.  When he gets out of bed, he does not have to make any decisions since he is already committed and knows what he will do. He is consistent with his fitness goals.

Accountability

Being committed or having your mind made up helps to hold yourself accountable for what you want to achieve.   Being accountable means that you take responsibility for your actions and behaviors.  You don’t procrastinate, blame others, or act like a victim. Instead you take the necessary actions that you have committed to.

Being accountable, also means taking responsibility when things get off track.  And as we know, things will get off track at some point.  When you are committed, you already have positive and supportive words in mind that you can say to yourself.  Instead of saying you are a failure, you say, I am off track, but I know I can get back on track.  You can overcome anything if you put your mind to it.

Summary

When you have your mind made up about something you are able to keep that commitment to yourself.  Mistakes are proof that you are trying. Once committed, you have the tools, to work through it.  You are determined to be successful because you believe you can be.

For another story on mindset, read Fitness Is All About Your Mindset.