What up, squad? So today, I’m not gonna share a crazy bench press workout or some sort of nutrition hack. No. Today, I wanna talk to you about my mentality, which I want you to think about so that you take the bits of it that suit you.
I’m not looking to indoctrinate you or anything like that. I just want to share the way of thinking that has enabled me to become stronger both physically and mentally and achieve my goals outside of the gym.
The Mike Rashid Mentality
Listen, my philosophy is not really about wanting to lift heavy weights or about looking like the fitness guy at the beach. I mean, looking and feeling fit is great. But, that’s actually a side effect of what happens when you aim at accomplishing what I’m about to tell you.
I see working out as a means to train the mind—that’s where the real benefit is at! When you put yourself through some crazy shit like doing 200 burpees or 210 bench press reps with 40% of your weight, there will be a moment, even before your midpoint, where your mind will be telling you that you won’t be able to do it.
Your hands might be shaking. Your arms may be shaking too. You might even feel like you’re getting a little light-headed and that you have to really try to get oxygen to the lower parts of your lungs. But that voice is wrong. It’s just your body naturally reacting to a possible threat—it’s trying to avoid danger!
But you do know you’re working out, and that’s where you come in. You gotta strengthen that will. Tell that voice to shut the fuck up, and then keep pushing! That’s how you grow mentally. That’s how you begin to start feeling capable of overcoming challenges!
The Purpose Of The Workouts I Give You
When I give y’all challenging workouts, I’m giving them to you so that you strengthen your soul—you know what I’m saying?! Listen, nothing is stronger than the human will.
Sure, these workouts will build your body and make you look as good as ever. But, then I’m throwing this stuff at you, it’s for your mind! The body is just a physical shell that we’ll leave one day! The mind is more important!
Pushing yourself beyond what your mind tells you that you’re capable of doing will transcend whatever you’re doing at the moment. It’s that sort of stuff that prepares you to deal with challenges in your life. It’s that sort of stuff that builds character.
The Bottom Line
Listen, you gotta strive for excellence. You gotta hold yourself accountable. You gotta dominate your will. That’s where true strength and confidence comes from. The way you look will be a consequence of becoming stronger.
What are your thoughts on this y’all? Let me know in the comments.