Do you want to stay motivated and disciplined, but find it hard to resist the urge to skip workouts, or eat junk food? Well, you may be suffering from a lack of PMA, or Positive Mental Attitude. Below are 5 tips that will help in keeping a positive mental attitude while reaching your fitness goals.

What You Think – You Become 
If you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve you are more likely to get it than if you don’t, right? A great start is to imagine what you want to achieve with your body. Think about what your body will look like. Imagine how you will feel living in this body. Think about the response you will get from others, and about the confidence you will have. If you are having trouble imagining your ideal body then find a photo in a magazine and cut it out. Hang it up and look at it each day, knowing that you will look like that. Stay focused on the goal.  

The Power of Support 
Surround yourself with others who are striving for health and fitness goals. Gym and health clubs are a great resource for like-minded people. The web lets you connect with people all over the world. Develop support networks of family and friends who understand your desire to change, and can be a source of support and encouragement when you might be feeling weak. Provide support and encouragement to others and before you know it you will have the support and encouragement of those around you.

Positive Exposure
Maybe you are not a naturally positive person. Maybe you tend to see life as half-empty. Take time to read positive books and articles. Anthony Robins has made a career out of preaching positivity. Pick up the world-famous book “Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude”. Read inspirational quotes. Take time to read health and fitness articles on the web. Over time you will find that you begin to reframe your life in more positive terms. “Problems” will become “opportunities”. “Setbacks” will become “challenges”. Your language will begin to change, and limitations will disappear.

Know When It Is Time To Change
If you are not feeling especially enthusiastic about your next workout, or do not want to see another chicken breast on your plate, then you might be suffering from burnout. Negative thoughts will often arise when one is in need of change in their routine. Maybe taking a day or two off from the gym, or allowing yourself to have a special meal will re-energize your body as well as add some more positive associations to your fitness plan. Negative thinking, especially when it is not your normal thought process, is usually a sign that it is time to make some changes. Listen to your thoughts, as they can be a gateway to the mind!

Recognize Your Progress
It is difficult to feel positive if you do not see progress.  Measure your fitness progress, and recognize your accomplishments. If you were able to get in one more workout this week than last, you are progressing. If the scale changes in the right direction, then know that you are on your way to becoming the body you imagined being. If you have a week that did not go well, then look at what went wrong and know that you have learned a valuable lesson that will help you in future weeks. Track your progress knowing that nobody has success all the time. Those who make it to their goal are able to see setbacks as learning opportunities. Take time to review your progress, and let it be positive motivation propelling you toward your goals.