Mental Toughness = Consistency

A big part of being successful is just being able to show up every day, doing the work, and being consistent.

If you are consistent, through the ups and the downs, you will get better.

Mental toughness is being able to stick to the plan no matter what is going on around you and no matter how you are feeling.

Make a plan and stick to the script. Reevaluate the plan as you go to make sure you are still on the right path to reaching your goals, but stay consistent with the work.

Make a decision to do what you need to do, and don't let your feelings or negative thoughts or emotions stop you.

Our thoughts are a big difference between being good or great. The people who can control their thoughts and emotions, the athletes who are mentally tough, will do what it takes to reach their goals. They won't let their thoughts or feelings stop them. They know how to manipulate and use their thoughts and feelings to motivate themselves.

So often we go to bed with the right intentions of waking up in the morning and working out, but when we wake up, we let our thoughts and feelings keep us from doing what we said we were going to do.

We have to be stronger and more mentally tough than that. We can't let our feelings win. We have to stay committed to the work that it takes to do what we want to do.

James Clear in his book, Habits, has many ideas on how to set up our life and lifestyle so that we give ourselves the best chance for success.

If you want to do something, plan ahead so that everything that you need is ready for you when it is time to work.

- Have your clothes picked and hanging in an easy to access location.
- Have your water bottle filled and waiting for you in the fridge.
- Have all of your gear in a bag waiting for you by the door or in the car.
- Have an accountability partner to run with or workout with or to call you before and/or after your workout.

Set yourself up for success beforehand. Be prepared. Then stay mentally tough and execute.

Being tired, bad weather, or just not feeling it today won't help you reach your goals. Take care of your mental health and take breaks when you need to, but have a goal, have a plan, and stay consistent if you want real results.