Even when you're having a bad day, you can't let anything get in the way of the bigger picture. You have goals, you aspire for something, you work hard and you can lose it all if you let any one day get in the way and interrupt the progress you've made.

We all have tricks and habits that help us get past the everyday roadblocks, but how many of us have tricks for when that catastrophe happens? Sometimes shit just happens and there isn't anything that you can do to get around it or avoid it. Life has a funny way of occasionally meddling itself in your affairs and giving you a terrible time to do what you have set for the day. We hear lots of people talking about getting past it, working through it, strengthening your mind set, becoming dedicated... But how? Like a complicated calculus problem, There is a formula that creates the correct answer, and in the case of psychological answers, there to are formulas and exercises to create the correct (or sought after) mindset.

The mind is an extremely powerful tool for the athlete or fitness enthusiast. The mind is what differentiates the casual weekend warrior to the the person who creates real gains and develops real strength. The body is capable of so much, but it's natural response to pain and resistance is to avoid and compensate, however the mind is the key that overcomes this natural response in order to release the body and let it accomplish great things. Here are some methods to develop a strong mind that will help you reach a stronger life:

1) Positive Self-Talk: This may sound weird... who talks to themselves? Crazy people right? No, taking some time every day to look at yourself in the mirror and give your self some compliments goes a long way into creating confidence, which strengthens one's decision making and overall ability to achieve.

2) Visualizations: A form of meditation that focuses mostly on the images. You close your eyes and start by creating an environment extremely vivid and lifelike with you imagination, focusing on every possible detail, using every sense of your body, you then imagine yourself accomplishing the goal or feat you are currently striving for. The more lifelike and real you can picture it in your mind the more probable you will make it happen

3) Study: Nothing beats just sitting down with a book or article that presents good information on how to achieve your goal. The more informed you are on the way to accomplish your goals, the quicker your body will apply the knowledge stored in your mind.

4) Stepping Goals: These are the little goals and markers you make to get you to the big feat. These stepping stones should always be attainable, but in progression towards the bigger picture. These steps create an environment of success and positivity attracting you to keep wanting more and more success in the area.

5) Decide Early: Having already made up your mind about something is one of the most powerful forms to create consistency in living. How many people question a lifelong belief about religion or politics? Not many, because they have concreted in their mind that their philosophy is the correct and nothing can diminish that. In other words, decide now and you wont have to decide under pressure and stress later.

In the war against poor fitness, one needs all the tools available to overcome the numerous distractions and hurdles impeding progress. Apply a mental exercise routine daily to help strengthen your body in the long run.

Every Day... A Little Stronger