How Do You Stay Motivated?



One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How do you stay motivated?” Some people assume that I train for a living, so they believe I must have more time to stay in the gym. Others assume that because I’m an IFBB pro competitor, it must be “easier” for me to get in shape.  To tell you the truth, neither assumption really applies to me.


As little background about me, I’m a full-time student and will be graduating in the spring of 2018. I also work over 40 hours a week in real estate management. Beyond my responsibilities with work and school and my contest preparation, I do a little volunteering and internship as well. Needless to say, my schedule is always busy.


So, how do you stay motivated with a busy schedule?

Time management is something you have to practice in order to make it all work without getting overwhelmed. You also have to prioritize what’s important to you, and keep those priorities in order.


My daily schedule includes getting up early for morning cardio and cooking before I go to work, and then I do another round of cardio after work. I have school a few nights a week after work, and I train on the other nights when I don’t have school.


Unlike others, I prefer to cook my meals fresh every night. Now, I don’t always wake up feeling motivated. Trust me, I’m human, and some days I don’t even want to get out of bed. So, when you ask me “How do you stay Motivated?” there’s just something about wanting to be the best at everything I do that keeps me going.


When it comes to getting in shape, you have to do it for yourself, not for anyone else. I originally wanted to get in shape because I realized you only have one temple to live in, which is your body. The more you take care of it, the better it will last.


Is it easier to get in shape when you’re a pro?


Being a professional competitor doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any easier to get in shape. In fact, it’s never easy, but you either want to put in the work or you don’t. As a pro, I find it’s actually harder because the longer you train, the higher expectations you set for yourself.


Proper supplementation definitely helps me. I currently use FIERCE DOMINATION pre-workout and BCAA Boosted to keep my energy up.  You can try some for your training sessions, but remember you still have to put in the effort and train hard.


 

Tina Nguyen