The Same Actions Will Yield the Same Results

Many people are resistant to change. Once you have achieved a certain level of success or risen to a particular station in life, it is very easy to fall into a trap of becoming comfortable. Let's face it, change can be a scary proposition, but sometimes we must endure short-term pain in order to experience long-term gain. Accomplishing significant positive growth, whether it is in business, a relationship, or in academics means that you must get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Developing habits is great, and I am a firm believer in establishing a routine, but not if it isn't producing desirable results. While I am not advocating change simply for the sake of change, if you are stuck in a rut or not satisfied with your rate of progress, the same actions will yield the same results.

When I worked in commercial gyms early in my career, I would often see the same people in the gym every day doing the same things. Obviously they were grossly overtrained, but that did not seem to dawn on them. In fact, they would usually say something to the effect of "this works for me", even though over time their physiques changed for the worse. I am certainly not advocating ridiculous bodybuilding "strategies" of doing "instinctive" training or something different every day in order to "shock" muscular growth. That would be an absolute joke. You do, however, need to have an honest conversation with yourself and determine exactly what it is that you want to achieve and how you can tangibly measure your progress. If you are lifting the same amount of weight that you used six months ago, are seeing no positive change in your energy levels, and experience no discernible difference in how your clothes fit, it is clear that your exercise regimen is not working for you. It is a sign of courage and strength to ask for help, not a weakness.

The concept of accountability receives much attention these days, but I think the term is slightly misunderstood. In business or team settings, there is an emphasis on "holding each other accountable", and I do believe that there should be a standard that is upheld if one wants to achieve success. However, it is easy to confuse accountability with consequences. In the book "The 12 Week Year", authors Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington remark, "Accountability is not consequences, but ownership (author's emphasis). It is a character trait, a life stance, a willingness to own your actions and results regardless of the circumstances (author's emphasis)." They go on to say that, "Accountability is the realization that you always have a choice; that, in fact, there are no have-to's in life (author's emphasis)." We are the product of our choices, and sometimes we make poor choices. Accountability dictates that the individual is responsible for the choices they make, whether the results are good or bad. It is no one else's fault if one does not achieve the results they seek. I believe that if one develops a mindset of responsibility and is accountable for themselves, they are far more likely to succeed rather than fail.

What you need is an educated instructor to guide you through the process. That is where Total Results comes in. Our role is that of an educator, teaching concepts that are very new for most people who come through our door. We want you to understand the hows and whys of what we do, and we encourage you to adopt the proper mindset during each exercise so that you can achieve optimal results. Our teaching is not limited to what goes on during workouts. We explain the dangers of the traditional Western diet, and the importance of limiting sugars and processed foods, in addition to explaining intermittent fasting. Clients must also be aware of what they should and should not do between workouts in order to optimize recovery. You need a sensible plan with structure and a willingness to commit to it for the long term. Total Results can provide that framework.

Change requires courage, but it is important to remember that the only constant in this world is change. In order to survive as a species, man has had to adapt to his environment, and the best way to prepare yourself for the uncertainties of life is to be as strong and as fit as possible. If you continue to plug away, show up consistently, and give your best effort in your workouts, you will reap the benefits of increased strength, improved conditioning, reduced stress, increased injury resistance, and robust health. Don't be satisfied with the same old, same old. Be prepared for what life throws your way and have the fortitude to face it head on! Let Total Results show you the way.