5 Reasons Mantras Are for You
Original post updated to align with Strong Inside Out's current philosophies March 6th, 2018.If you walk by me training clients at the gym, there's a high probability you'll hear some pretty woo woo stuff...
Deep breaths.
Remember why you're here.
This is going to get tough on this last set. Go in knowing that.
Or if you walked by me earlier today:Mantra time, dude.I was taking a client through some really tough intervals on the Jacob's Ladder, which is basically a ladder mill that you climb hand over foot while belted in (trying not to eat it is half the battle). She had already finished 30 minutes of high intensity strength training circuits, and was nonplussed to hear that we would end with intervals at a 20 second to 10 second rest ratio, 8 times in a row.Her eyes pleaded for me to have mercy, but I looked at her, and gently reminded her that she is strong enough. This wouldn't beat her.And so, closing her eyes for a second, she called upon a mantra that I had her come up with at the very beginning of our training, and she pushed through all 8 without complaint....ok maybe a swear or two. ;)What's my point? Though I am often hired for my knowledge of the body and how to achieve physical results, one of the greatest tools I teach is mantra adoption.When I was struggling to adopt healthy habits, the only thing keeping me pushing through when every muscle cried out for me to stop, was talking to myself...Ok, let me explain a bit further.Mantras are my go-to strengthening aids. I have a few standbys I pull out for certain types of pain or fear:
If I'm scared I'll fail: Give you. Give love.
If I start doubting that I can: Yes I can
If I want to quit: I'm stronger than this obstacle
If I'm battling a bout of depression: I won't let this suck me down ever again
I use them daily, many, many, many times a day. I truly believe that they make the uncomfortable a lot more comfortable, and results more permanent.
I want to share some reasons why you should adopt a mantra with all y'all today. Woo woo or no.
Empower yourself
No matter who you are, you can use some empowerment every now and again.
Doubting yourself? Pull out that confidence mantra.
Fearing things you can't control? Calm yourself with a grounding mantra.
Challenging yourself to create some serious change? Remind yourself that change requires some discomfort with a strength mantra.
There is a mantra for everyone.
No one has to know
Yes, these are helpful for everyone, and you know what? No one else has to know that you're using one!Wanna save face in front of your buddies who can't grasp the benefits of strengthening self-talk? No need to tell them what helps you work harder than they ever would.Mantras are repeated silently in your head when you need to call on a certain state. You don't need to say them out loud.
Focus on what serves you
Mantras can help you shift your focus from pain or struggle to what empowers you.We lose sight and give up on our goals when our fear brains convince our strong brains that the discomfort is too much. Logically, we know that in most cases, it's not actually more than we can handle. We look back and wish we'd pulled empowerment from some deep place in ourselves to remind us how capable we truly are.That's where mantras come in. Mantras can
A) turn your fear brain on silent
B) amplify your strong brain to get you through the temporary obstacle you face.
Learn what speaks to you
When you try to come up with a mantra, you seek one that resonates with you. You look for the words that bring out your drive and power.When you find the perfect mantra for you, it says a lot about your personal goals and values.If you choose mostly calming, grounding mantras, peace is usually an element that you value in your life, or a goal you wish to achieve.If you choose strengthening, bold mantras, confidence, power and adventure could be more your thing.Learn a little about yourself by developing a mantra of your own.
Decide to achieve
I'm going to take off my personal trainer hat while I rain some truth down on you:No matter what kind of fancy techniques or tools you have, you'll only achieve lasting change when you decide to commit fully to it.I've had people come in to work with me, who simply weren't ready to challenge themselves in the way they need to to achieve change. I've rained the truth down on them much like I have with you here, and some say, "See ya," and others, well they get down to their mantra-making and CHOOSE TO CHANGE.The act of creating a mantra is one of decisiveness and commitment. You don't just sit down, google a mantra and go with it. Like achieving your goals, finding your perfect mantra takes time and focus. Set aside some time to create your own mantra (or a few) and experience for yourself the life-changing effects!'Til next time, Strongies, you know what to do...Stay strong,Amy