When we’re in the gym, we can’t afford to contemplate each and every decision. Our mental energy needs to be conserved so that we can fully focus on the difficult tasks at hand
Toughness – it’s an expression we’re all familiar with, but what exactly does it mean? How do we quantify or measure such an abstract descriptor? Are we talking aboutWhen I decided to become a trainer, I never considered how much of my time would be spent trying to unravel the mysteries of the brain. On the surface it would seem people hire trainers to help them “get into shape” , but nearly a decade into my career I’ve learned our real role runs deeper.
To understand what makes one person persevere when confronted with a gruelling task while another will pack up and go home, we have to understand how the brain works when making a decision.System 1 works on the subconscious level, in a deep part of the brain. It’s designed to work quickly and efficiently, with self-preservation being the main motivator. System 1 doesn’t want you to run that extra mile or grind-out yet another set of squats.
Remember how System 1 operates by analyzing the risk-to-reward ratio of activities? Well, System 2 can influence and control what we determine to be a risk and a reward. The more familiar an activity, the less likely it is to be classified as “risky.” This is why baby steps are so important whenever we’re taking on a new challenge. As much as our newbie enthusiasm might want us to dive head-first into the deep end, doing so rarely leads to lasting results.