The Importance of Positive Attitude when Exercising

Have you ever been in a fight?

Like a real fight. The kind where someone gets a black eye or a split lip.

Maybe.

Now imagine getting into a fight and thinking you are going to lose. Once you get into that mentality that you're going to lose, it becomes pretty much guaranteed that you're going to lose.

The same idea applies to all exercises. Losing weight or gaining muscle is a bit like being in a fight, metaphorically speaking. If you think you are going to lose the battle and fail, you will fail.

Therefore if you're going to embark on an exercising regimen you need to first foster a positive attitude. Its a must-have.

For me, my source of positivity is zen philosophy. Books like "The Unfettered Mind" and "Zen Bow, Zen Arrow".

But for those you without such handy books, you can also look for inspirational quotes online. Like the following:

"It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect it's successful outcome." -William James

"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you?re not, pretend you are." -Muhammad Ali

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." -Martha Washington

"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind." -Dr. Wayne W. Dyer