Mental Fortitude: How to be Tough!

Mental fortitude or "grit" does not have as much baring on motivation as you may think. Obviously it helps as a starting point but what really builds grit are the habits we develop. Here are 5 habits to build a concrete mindset:

Be consistent. Keep a diary, write in your training schedule and stick to it! Sometimes you will find distractions but don't cancel a session. Instead take a rain-check for later in the week.

Appreciate your small physical achievements. Did you last a touch session with your S & C coach or manage a 5km run this morning? Take a minute to admire your own efforts and understand that you've done what others haven't. This infectious way of thinking will see you wanting to emulate that feeling on a daily basis.

Act like you're the one in charge. You pretty much are! You decided to turn up to training, you're the one that controls your limbs and your the one who makes your heart beat faster. Hold yourself tall and recognise the control you have over your own body.

Do not complain! I do hate a whiner. People who act defeated will be defeated. Again, you are what you practice.

Lift! The weights room offers measurable goals by poundage. A sense of achievement can come from an additional 2 kilograms or even trying a new exercise.

To conclude this post it should be noted that it takes several weeks to form strong habits or change your mind set. Enforce these 5 habits over the next 2 months and you will find that even on your days of low motivation you will still have grit.