What keeps you going?

[spartan300]

To say most use goal setting as a
motivational tool is a pretty accurate statement.
Makes sense for those less invested.
But for us, the committed,
it goes far beyond periodic objectives.
Really it’s not so much about goal
setting as it is a pilgrimage.
This seismic shift of priorities,
witnessing your passion evolving,
growing into a kind of commitment that
establishes a profound and lasting change.
Change that in order to make it sustainable for
the long haul will demand sacrifice.

[Altered Beast]

Goals are only relevant if they're long term for the non-competitive lifter.

I tell the young kids who always stare at me with their jaws hanging and they've asked me questions, "It's consistency over a long period of time. I've been training since I was 15 and took nutrition/hydration/supplementation/sleep very seriously when I was 19 in college. I'm 41 now. 26 years of training built this body and yes, when I competed in Powerlifting for an 8-9 year period, I took some stuff. Even if it's been 2 weeks without lifting, I pick up exactly where I left off regarding my training split. There's no other way, consistency over a long period of time. NOW GET TO LIFTING!"

They always look at me as if no one has ever said that to them before; however, it always registers because I can see it in their eyes.

[Cellardweller]

Goals are only relevant if they're long term for the non-competitive lifter.

I don't know about that. Sometimes the goal is to just train x amount of days a week. Like you said, consistency. There may be a long term strength or bodyweight goal but you break it down to smaller goals. Hitting the smaller goals keeps you motivated and makes you feel progress. If you only look at the big goal you may get discouraged because all you can see is the distance of where you are and how far you have to go.

[Altered Beast]

I don't know about that. Sometimes the goal is to just train x amount of days a week. Like you said, consistency. There may be a long term strength or bodyweight goal but you break it down to smaller goals. Hitting the smaller goals keeps you motivated and makes you feel progress. If you only look at the big goal you may get discouraged because all you can see is the distance of where you are and how far you have to go.

I respectfully disagree. Small goals tend to be what people focus on and they get distracted from the long term. They end up getting lost or frustrated because they focus on micro-goals that are irrelevant to long term success.

Simplification is key when it comes to what we do. Everyone tries to overcomplicate things to give them more meaning (which is bullshit) or for fun or what have you. There is only a start and a finish. You have to take care of the small bullshit in between that gets in the way or what distracts you from the long term goal.

*There is no motivation. You're either driven or you're not. Personally, maybe 1 or 2 out of 10 times I actually want to train or am fired up to do so (once I get rolling, different story). I do it because I'm disciplined/driven and I know I'll completely lose my sanity if I don't focus on my lifting. Not to say I don't love training, but at 41 it's more of a chore that simply must be done. The good new is, I'm permanently driven so it always ends up being enjoyable =)

[Cellardweller]

This is why I love this place

I think you have to stack the small wins on the way to the bigger goal. Hitting those goals produces motivation. If you can bench 225 and want to hit 315 maybe you give yourself a year. break the year down so you plan on hitting 255, 275, 295 then 315. Hitting those milestones keeps you going and feeling positive. Without structure you might feel like you're not gaining enough and be less motivated.

I'm not strength training anymore, but I still keep a journal. Some things I want to progress with the weight used, others I just want to feel the muscle working. I keep notes. I tell myself to use more next time, keep the weight the same but drop reps, add reps, lead the movement with my pinky or elbow because that felt good today. things like that.

[Altered Beast]

This is why I love this place

I think you have to stack the small wins on the way to the bigger goal. Hitting those goals produces motivation. If you can bench 225 and want to hit 315 maybe you give yourself a year. break the year down so you plan on hitting 255, 275, 295 then 315. Hitting those milestones keeps you going and feeling positive. Without structure you might feel like you're not gaining enough and be less motivated.

I'm not strength training anymore, but I still keep a journal. Some things I want to progress with the weight used, others I just want to feel the muscle working. I keep notes. I tell myself to use more next time, keep the weight the same but drop reps, add reps, lead the movement with my pinky or elbow because that felt good today. things like that.

To that point, I agree! And also, yes that is what always makes this place special. People voicing opinions and sharing information based on personal experience. It truly is priceless!

But like I said, as long as you focus on the end goal and not the small wins, then you will progress. Oftentimes peeps overemphasize the small goals and mentally they get trapped/stuck. That is basically what I was eluding to in the previous post.

[spartan300]

It’s not just about moving iron,
this shit is about forging strength
in body and mind.Each rep a testament
to our dedication, every fucking drop of sweat
earned. Understanding that true growth comes
from stretching boundaries just a little beyond
our grasp. Embracing the pain, questioning limits.
The poundages we use don’t own us,
it’s our heart and tenacity! There’s a version
of ourselves we strive to become.
A version that drives us to keep pushing forward
to defy life’s obstacles.Regardless where
we train,it’s our sanctuary,
our proving ground. It’s here, we transform
challenges into victories,
weaknesses into strengths.
Every set, every session celebrating the small
wins, and never losing sight of our commitment to
self-improvement, resilience, and perseverance.
Lift with purpose, train with heart, and know
that our passion is our true reward!

[spartan300]

We defy odds. We silence doubt.
We stand tall when shit gets unbearable.
It’s in these moments when our
fucking mettle is tested
that we redefine what is possible.
We rise when the rest of the world is fucking
crumbling, we remain undeterred,
facing every challenge head on,
shattering expectations. It ain’t just liftin’
weights people!

[spartan300]

There’s a moment where shit gets too overwhelming.
The struggle too real. But keep this in mind when overburdened,
our true strength isn’t measured by just meeting expectations.
It’s determined by the relentless pursuit of EXCEEDING expectations!
The unwavering commitment to push beyond yesterday’s limits,
and our steadfast belief that we are capable of MORE!
Consider each struggle a stepping stone to the next level of success.
Embrace that mother fucker, for it is the furnace in which our spirit is forged.
Endure the pain, for it is the signal of growth.
Rise, lift, and conquer, my friends. We are stronger when we don’t question
our passion and more capable than we ever imagined. The iron will yield to our will,
when we lift with purpose, passion, and an unbreakable spirit.