One thing I think most people underestimate is the power of motivation. Motivation is just as important as a solid workout regimen, eating right, and getting enough rest. In fact, I would like to revise a common equation to read the following:

Weight Lifting + Nutrition + Rest + Motivation = MUSCLE GROWTH

Face it, if you are not motivated to build muscle, you are not going to go to the gym consistently. You are not going to eat the right sources of calories and protein in your diet and through nutrition supplements. And you are not going to rest like you should to build mass. Motivation is the backbone of reaching any goal, and your goals in the gym are no different.

But motivation does not begin and end in the gym. If you really want to see results, you will need to be thinking about your goals throughout your entire day. When you wake up in the morning, the first things you should be thinking of are your goals for the day and your goals in life (Hopefully, if you are reading this site, muscle building fits in there somewhere). This will help to get you off on the right track from square one each morning, and it will make it easier for you to stay focused as your day continues. Make a promise to yourself that every morning when you wake up you will take a good hard look at your goals and spend a few minutes thinking about them. This will definitely make your chances of achieving them much more likely.

Throughout the rest of your day you should be thinking about your more immediate goals. For example, if your overall goal is to gain 20 pounds of muscle in the next 6 months, you should have more specific, immediate goals that will help lead you up to this overarching goal. Think about your workout for the day and how it is going to impact your goals. Visualize the exercises you are going to perform and take a look at your records from your last workout session. You should know how many reps and sets you completed the last time, and establish goals for your impending workout.

If you have trouble getting pumped up for your workout when it is time to head to the gym, you need to figure out the best way to psyche yourself up for it. For some people, this involves listening to upbeat or inspirational music. Others meditate to get ready for their workout. If you are not one of the lucky ones who live for their workout every day, you need to discover what your personal motivating tactics include. Staying motivated is the only way to achieve your goals!