5 Signs You’re Not Serious About Your Goals
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This article is a bit different than most of the ones I write. Usually, I try to make sure my content is as close to objectively true as possible — something akin to journalistic integrity. This one is more of an opinion piece. My goal isn’t to discourage anyone’s efforts. I’m writing for the guys who feel like they’re giving 100% effort and are still unhappy with their progress. If you’re in that group, I’m suggesting that these behaviors might be holding you back.
Sign #1: You drink alcohol regularly.
In my opinion, no drug will destroy your progress more than alcohol. It decreases muscle protein synthesis and natural testosterone and GH production; increases cortisol; impairs sleep; and impairs absorption of micronutrients. Unlike other recreational drugs like marijuana and psilocybin, or even tobacco, alcohol has no substantive performance benefits.
I understand that it’s difficult to avoid alcohol entirely — it’s part of social life for most people. I think having a drink on special occasions is understandable. If you’re drinking regularly, though — or having more than one or two drinks on special occasions — then you’re actively sabotaging your progress.
Sign #2: You refuse to use injectable compounds.
I have a ton of respect for natural athletes, and, as I’ve written many times, I never want to encourage anyone to use anabolic steroids or other hormones. However, there are plenty of injectable supplements that have no drawbacks and truly enormous benefits. The most obvious and effective one is, of course, Nectar. Any athlete who refuses to use Nectar isn’t serious about his or her goals. Period, end of story, no exceptions.
Sign #3: You go to a gym without the equipment you need.
I’m shocked by the number of athletes I see who try to make do with mediocre equipment. The worst offenders, in my experience, are the ones with home gyms: they’re always looking for ways to swap out machine-based exercises like hack squats, chest-supported rows, and Assault Bike work. Powerlifters are notorious for this, too (although most powerlifting gyms nowadays have more than just free weights).
I made this mistake myself for a long time. I like simplicity, and I like free weights, and I like to avoid crowded gyms. The truth is that in many circumstances, machines are essential. Here are a few examples:
Nothing will help balance out a back-dominant competition squat faster than a (machine) hack squat.
Machine rows and a reverse pec deck are essential tools for lifters who struggle to stabilize the eccentric portion of a heavy bench.
Glute-ham raises are the single best hamstring exercise anyone can perform.
Assault bike work should be considered mandatory for all strength athletes.
Now, if you have the world’s best home gym (one of my life goals!), maybe you don’t need a commercial gym membership. Chances are you do need a commercial gym membership — maybe even two — and refusing to admit that will hold you back.
Sign #4: You don’t follow your plan (or don’t have a plan at all).
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
If you need help creating a plan, click here to contact me for coaching!
Sign #5: You don’t get bloodwork.
I don’t think everyone understands the purpose of bloodwork. It’s not just to make sure that you’re healthy (although that’s important, of course). Bloodwork can help identify ways to improve performance. For example, a lifter with chronically elevated liver enzymes (even when not using any anabolic steroids) will probably benefit from glutathione supplementation.
Here are the blood tests I recommend:
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Complete Blood Count
Cortisol
Standard Estradiol
Standard Testosterone
Lipid Panel
Basic Thyroid
HBa1C
You can order all of these from Marek Health for just $80. You can also use my code PHDEADLIFT for a small additional discount. I do not receive any kickbacks, commissions, or anything else for use of my code.
Please note that I ONLY recommend Marek’s self-service lab option. I DO NOT, under any circumstances, recommend their consultations or any of their package services.
I know some of these asks are big ones — avoiding alcohol, learning to perform injections, and traveling to a specialized gym can take a lot of time and effort. If you don’t want to make those sacrifices, I wouldn’t fault you. But I would suggest that you recognize the tradeoffs you choose to make, and take responsbilitiy for those decisions. In my experience, that mindset will increase your chances of success both inside and outside of the gym.