Bodybuilding is a pursuit that requires dedication and consistent effort over a long period of time. There are ups and downs, trials and tribulations. You go down blind alleys and take wrong turns. Your motivation ebbs and flows and you find out what makes you tick. You learn what works and what doesn’t. You have your ego paired down and you get humbled.
 
Bodybuilding teaches you wisdom that is applicable to other areas of life. Showing up consistently to pay your dues in the weights room makes you a better version of yourself.
 
Here are 9 life lessons that bodybuilding teaches us.
 
1. Don’t Aim For Perfection, Aim For Consistency
 
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be.” Consistent, good effort is more effective than Herculean but inconsistent, sporadic effort.
 
2. Slow Progress… is Still Progress
 
Progress is often so subtle as to be INVISIBLE to the naked eye. But even when progress is invisible, if you are working hard, you are making progress. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. Big leaps forward often seem to come out of the blue. But the truth is you were making progress all the time. It was just too subtle to notice. Have faith in your system.
 
3. Deep Knowledge Will Expose Charlatans
 
The internet is infested with charlatans and snake oil salespeople. Gaining a deep knowledge about something through consistent practice and effort will make you wise. It will open your eyes to when you are being lied to.
 
4. Set Achievable Mini-Goals
 
It’s far easier to stick to a long-term task if you can see regular incremental results. Setting achievable mini-goals will keep you on course.
 
5. Find a Good Teacher
 
A good teacher is extremely important, especially at the beginning of a process. Bad habits are very easy to pick up. Learning good technique before you have a chance to develop bad habits can make your journey to greatness much smoother.
 
6. Break Bad Habits. Think Outside the Box
 
Plateaus are often caused by us being (unconsciously)