Having a vision of what you would like to achieve as a physique competitor is one of the best things you can do before you embark on your competition journey.
Your vision will provide you with a driving force, a purpose, to pull you through the tough days when prepping for a show.
For your vision to be effective, it needs to be distinct and clear. You should be able to distil it down to one overriding message that inspires action when the last thing you want to do is take action.
An authentic vision requires deep soul searching and when found should touch your heart.
When your emotionally driven by your vision, it has the strength to overcome the ups and downs any endeavor presents.
And when you have a clear vision, you are creating a picture of something you want to achieve in the future.
Then once you have that picture firmly in mind, you can work backward, identifying process goals to actualize the result you are striving to achieve.
Note: You can find more information on how to develop empowering rituals/habits around your vision and purpose HERE.
When I work with a client, the conversation eventually leads to, “Why they are entering a competition?”
Most of my clients will quickly respond, “I think it will be fun”. Alternatively I also hear, “I want to get in shape or challenge myself”.
In reality, those answers are platitudes with no real purpose behind it.
They are similar to age old adages like I want to be rich, successful or own a nice car.
These statements are more or less reflex responses and typically carry no staying power when your plan hits a rough patch—which at some point it probably will. (just being real)
When I started to compete in Physique Competitions, I struggled with balancing the time commitment between preparing for a show and family life.
I wanted the commitment I was making to preparing for my Figure Competitions to benefit not just me but my entire family.
With some deep soul searching, I carved out the following vision statement ( here is a small excerpt).
“I commit to working hard not only for myself but for the people I love and respect.
I affirm the time dedicated to this sport and away from my family will not just serve me but the ones I love.
For in the process of achieving my personal goals, I will also better my family”.
The next step was to distil the vision statement down to a short, powerful statement that I could quickly pull up in my mind at any time.
“If I cheat me, I cheat my family.”
Do you see how that statement is more powerful than I think it will be fun?
I continually repeat to myself “If I cheat me I cheat my family”.
This incantation is repeated as I am weighing my food, executing that last rep in a set of squats or when struggling with the multitude of day to day challenges.
In essence, the daily steps I take each day in route to a preparing for a show is held to a higher standard I refuse to shortchange.
Now imagine going through the process of prepping for a show saying “I think it will be fun” as you face doing that last squat rep all while your quads are screaming no more ….Ha!
Do you see the difference a compelling well thought out vision statement makes?
Try it and see for yourself how powerful it can be and the difference it makes in your day to day preparation.
Questions? Comments? Did you find this post helpful? Let me know in the comments section.Thanks!
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I really enjoyed your post, its very timely for me. Recently I have been struggling with finding meaning in my training and show prep. I understood on a rational level why I was doing it but I was searching for a bigger reason why.This post provided me with what I was looking for, it open my eyes. Thanks Shawn!
That’s great Lisa I am happy the post helped.When you have a big enough reason why behind what you’re doing the how becomes easy.
That makes so much sense. I really appreciate the insight, I am going to put into practice.
You are very welcome Crystal. Glad I could help!
Shawn, thank you for this post. I have lost all my motivation after the show and now I find it hard to stay focus and on track. I lost my WHY. You rock and I’m glad I have you in my new feed. Haha
Nicholle, I experienced that very same thing when I first started competing. You invest so much of yourself preparing for a show and when it’s over you feel a bit hung over. When I stop making it all about the show I started to enjoy the process of preparing for a show even more than the final event. Today when I enter into a new prep it’s all about how much I can grow as a person and how far can I push myself and keep improving and that simple shift in philosophy has served me well.
I LOVE THIS!!! Shawn you have been the best motivator for me in the past few weeks!! I actually read this a few days ago on leg day. Then, I crushed it at the gym. This motivated me so much because it reminded me of what I try to tell myself all the time. I have my own goals set for me, no one else. Though my coach’s opinion is very important to me and I keep others in the loop of my training on social media for motivational purposes, at the end of the day I remember that in order for me to succeed I have to remain focused on my vision at being the absolute best I can be. It makes me think twice about taking more tablespoons of PB than I should or pigging completely out on an approved cheat just because I want to eat. That hinders me from achieving the vision. I remember Shawn telling me a few months ago not to focus so much on simply winning a show. For me, it’s no longer about just winning (though winning a show would feel amazing!!!) I realized that I have been training harder, more mentally focused, and having “refeeds” as opposed to all out binges because I simply want to be the best version of myself. The best way to get there is to simply enjoy the journey and continue to practice what I preach. Everytime I just think about just placing and nothing else, I refer back to Shawn’s wisdom about how I should want to bring a better package each time. Not just on stage either, but in all aspects of life. I love being a part of the Cutie Culture! This is one of the biggest staples in my bodybuilding career and I will always be a part of this team! Thanks Shawn!! <3
Morgan, it’s been a pleasure working with you and watching you grow as an athlete. Stay focused on the day to day process and good things will come to pass.More importantly, thank you for the kind words I truly appreciate them.Let me know how else I can help.:)