We've all heard that voice in our head...

...the one telling us we need to stop.

It usually sounds whiney. Almost child like...

...and you may have heard it on a run, during a workout, maybe even going up the stairs.

Chances are, whatever you were doing when it happened, I feel confident in saying I know what happened next...

Whether you stop or not, you hear a loud, angry sounding voice talking over the one asking you to stop. Talking to you almost like a drill sergeant.

It's an unforgiving voice. Aggressive, demanding and degrading.

That voice may be telling you that you're not good enough. It may be telling you to stop being weak. (Or something with stronger language)

Whatever it's telling you, I want you to know that it's wrong.

In fact, both voices are wrong.

Both voices are coming from a place of massive expectations. Having made up scenarios in your head of what you 'should' be able to do, instead of looking at what you can do.

Spending time either looking back at how fit you used to be, and holding yourself to that same standard. Or getting caught up in thinking everyone else is ahead of you and you are trailing behind.

Looking at what you're doing from either of those places is the fastest way to demotivated yourself. It's the fastest way to give up. And it's the easiest way to getting stuck in a yo-yo diet and exercise plan.

Instead, the ideal place to come from is to look yourself honestly in the mirror. Accept where you are right now.

Only then, are you able to set yourself achievable targets.

Targets that are realistic.
Targets that are attainable.
Targets that are focused on the process more than the outcome.
Targets that progress you a little bit every week.

And more importantly, give yourself the understanding that you will make mistakes. You will slip up from time to time, and that's ok. Just because you make mistakes does not mean you are a mistake.

Rather than obsess over, or berate the mistakes that have been made, instead get back on plan.