How do you guys handle the mental side of this sport?
What’s the hardest mental challenge you’ve faced in bodybuilding or competition prep? I feel like people talk about the physical grind all the time—pushing through tough workouts, sticking to the diet—but for me, it’s the mental part that’s the hardest. Staying disciplined when motivation drops, dealing with setbacks, constantly comparing progress to others… Sometimes it gets overwhelming.
It’s a lonely sport, man. Nobody really gets the level of commitment it takes unless they’re doing it too. What helps me is focusing only on my own progress—small wins, little improvements, and reminding myself why I started. If you rely on motivation, you’ll burn out quick.
Having a solid routine and sticking to it no matter what is key. When my mind starts messing with me, I just tell myself, “Do what’s on the plan today.” One meal at a time, one workout at a time. Before you know it, the bad days pass, and you’re locked back in.