Dumb a*s phrases like that are not only destructive but they suggest that you're at odds with yourself or worse, that you (gasp!) hate yourself ... Reality: the person that you are... your mind, your body, your soul (if you believe you have one)... are one beautiful package. Whatever you've decided to do with that package up to this point... own it.
Your body is the most incredible machine on the planet, it adapts to what you repeatedly expose yourself to. The choices you make, the actions you do or don't take, the fuel you choose, the thoughts you entertain and the words you say.... shape who you are down to a cellular level. You decide who you are, every day, moment by moment.
I know it sounds cheesy, but love that body of yours. It's the only one you're getting. You possess so much power and strength.... why waste it?
My challenge to you... find the connection. That whole mind-body thing? It's for reals. Haha. Start saying nice things to yourself. Be your own cheering section, your own biggest fan. I'm serious. Set personal goals. Write those goals down. Spend time visualizing what it will be like attaining them. Is it performance? Completing the lift? Crossing the finish line? Scoring the winning goal? Hell I don't care if it's zipping up that pair of jeans that's been taunting you for four years... take a time out and imagine yourself attaining that goal.
Next step... develop a plan. Visualization is HUGE... but you aren't just going to dream yourself stronger, faster, leaner, (insert your goal here).... Find a support system. Enlist a professional when necessary. Educate yourself (and not with mass media marketing, fad, gadget, trendy crap. Fitness is multimillion dollar industry for a reason and it's not because most of it works)... find something with some science and application behind it... Shameless Legendary Strength and Conditioning Plug.
While you're working to reach that goal... be present in that work. Stop trying to unplug from your body. Start finding satisfaction in what you are capable of! It's much easier to do this when you focus on finding training and activities that you actually enjoy. If I were relegated to the elliptical for 90 minutes everyday... I'd feel compelled to mindlessly plug into whatever television/ radio/ magazine/ book on tape I could find to get through it too... so step away from the Precor... I challenge you to explore activities that you actually look forward to ( and I invite you to join me in the squat rack).
I am not a super spiritual person. I've never had the urge to "open my third eye" or connect with my "inner animal spirit"... I don't knock people who do... it's just not my bag. HOWEVER, I absolutely preach (until I'm blue in the face it seems) that your body hears everything that your mind says. So stop saying stupid negative sh*t to yourself and be the StrongB*tch that you know you were meant to be!
