I was at a farmers market some years ago, selling CBD products from an old family business we started. While there, I struck up a conversation with a guy who was a regular at our booth.
He was incredibly health-conscious and had some ideas that, at the time, seemed a bit extreme to me. Not necessarily radical, but definitely outside the norm of what I was used to thinking about.
One thing he said in passing has stuck with me. It pops back into my mind every few months, and lately, it has been coming to the forefront more and more.
He said something along the lines of, “I’m extremely aware and strict about anything my body AND brain consumes.”
The first part of that statement isn’t particularly novel—most of us understand, at least to some degree, the importance of paying attention to what we put into our bodies. After all, we are literally what we eat.
About 98% of the atoms and molecules in your body are cycled and replaced every year.
That means that by this time next year, your heart, skin, muscles, brain, bones, and organs will be composed almost entirely of the food you consume over the next 12 months. Just like building a house with subpar materials leads to structural issues, fueling your body with low-quality nutrition impacts your health and fitness.
But what really struck me—and what I understand now more than ever—was how much emphasis this guy placed on the content he allowed his mind to consume.
Very few of us stop to think about the content we take in daily and what its intended purpose is. But if you step back, it’s pretty clear: the messages and media we consume have a direct impact on our thoughts, self-image, and overall outlook on life.
If I surround myself with supportive, motivating people who believe in me, I’m much more likely to develop a strong, positive self-image.
On the flip side, if I’m constantly bombarded with messages telling me I’m not doing enough, that I need to buy more things to be happy, that my body isn’t good enough, or that the world is full of negativity—then my internal dialogue will inevitably become more pessimistic and self-critical.
And just like I can’t expect my body to thrive if I’m fueling it with junk food, I can’t expect my mindset to be strong and positive if I’m constantly consuming negative content.
The challenge is that, unlike food, content is much harder to control. In today’s world, we’re constantly exposed to social media feeds, commercials, TV shows, movies, music, workplace conversations, and even the demands of family and friends. Whether it’s a coworker who always complains, a friend who thrives on gossip, or a social media algorithm designed to keep you scrolling, much of the content we consume isn’t fueling our growth—it’s draining us.
So, here’s something to think about:
- How much content do you consume daily that genuinely motivates and supports you?
- How much of it aligns with your health and fitness goals?
- How many people in your life actively encourage you to be better? How many know your goals and push you toward them?
- Do the shows you watch and the music you listen to help cultivate the mindset you want in life?
- What about your social media habits—are they serving you or holding you back?
It’s not always easy to evaluate, but it’s worth auditing. Just like with nutrition, until you remove the junk and replace it with high-quality fuel, you’ll keep running into the same problems over and over.
The first step is awareness. The next step is surrounding yourself with a community and content that uplifts and inspires you.
You’ve got this. One step at a time. And at Formidable Strength and Conditioning, we’re here to help.
Whether it’s personal training, group CrossFit classes, or nutrition coaching, we’ve got you covered. We pride ourselves on being the best gym in the area—and we’d love to help you take the first step toward your goals.
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