I’m probably a little late to the party here as this was over 7 years ago but I was really surprised by this conversation between Guy Ritchie and Joe Rogan.
I saw a number of parallels between how we negotiate our inner journey of change with what the outer world is bombarding us with.
How do we truly feel about ourselves and our goals?
Are they even our goals or just what we think they should be as a result of what we are told?
Please watch the video and I hope you find what I’ve written below of interest.
Owning Your Fitness Journey: Authenticity in a World of External Pressures
In the realm of health and fitness, we're constantly bombarded with images of "perfect" bodies, miracle diets, and quick-fix solutions. But true, lasting progress comes from a much deeper place – a place of authenticity and self-ownership. Let's explore how we can apply some profound concepts to our fitness journeys.
The Power of Extreme Ownership
The foundation of any successful fitness journey is taking full responsibility for your health and choices. This concept of "extreme ownership" means no more blaming genetics, time constraints, or circumstances. Your fitness is entirely in your hands. This mindset shift is liberating – it puts you in the driver's seat of your own transformation.
Authenticity in Action
Just as Guy Ritchie speaks about authentically wearing a suit, approach your workouts and nutrition with the same mindset. Don't just go through the motions because that's what you think you "should" do. Own your choices. If you prefer hiking to gym workouts, embrace it. If you enjoy strength training, dive deep into it. Your fitness journey should be a reflection of your true self, not someone else's expectations.
Battling External Perceptions vs. Internal Identity
The fitness industry thrives on making you feel inadequate. It's crucial to recognise this and resist. Your journey isn't about matching up to external standards but about aligning with your internal identity. Who do you want to be? What does health mean to you? These internal motivations are far more powerful than any external pressure.
Daily Reaffirmation in a Noisy World
In a world full of fitness influencers and conflicting advice, it's easy to lose sight of your goals. Implement daily practices of self-reflection and reaffirmation. This could be journaling about your progress, meditating on your 'why', or simply taking a moment each day to reconnect with your fitness goals.
The Two Identities: Real vs. False
We often create a false identity in fitness – the person we think we should be. Maybe it's the image of a bodybuilder when deep down you just want to be fit enough to play with your kids. Recognise your true identity and align your fitness goals with it. This authenticity will fuel long-term motivation and satisfaction.
Personalising Your Fitness Symbols
Just as one might personalise a suit to truly own it, personalise your fitness journey. Maybe it's creating a unique workout playlist, designing your home gym space, or developing a pre-workout ritual. These personal touches make your fitness journey truly yours, increasing your commitment and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In the end, your fitness journey is yours alone. By embracing authenticity, taking extreme ownership, and aligning your actions with your true self, you create a powerful foundation for lasting change. Resist the external pressures to be something you're not, and instead, focus on becoming the healthiest, strongest version of your authentic self. This is where true transformation begins.