Building Self-Confidence: The Synergy of Strength Training, Nutrition, and Stoic Wisdom
Today, we’re diving into the foundation of self-confidence and how you can build it by integrating mind, body, and spirit. Self-confidence has been something I struggled with for much of my life. Strength training was the foundation of change, in my self-confidence. I set an achievable goal of lifting weights 3 days a week for one year (this was over 17 years ago and haven’t stopped since!). It felt amazing to put in the work and begin to see the changes of getting stronger and looking fitter. Don’t get me wrong I wasn’t cured but I started feeling better about myself. Look good feel good as they say. My self-confidence was improving, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment from the work in the gym. It was the first time in my life that I set a goal and stuck with it! This was a huge lesson for me moving forward and the catalyst for accomplishing many goals thereafter.
Self-confidence empowers us to face challenges, pursue our goals, and thrive in our personal and professional lives. But true self-confidence isn’t something we’re born with—it’s something we cultivate through intentional practices and consistent effort.
Today we explore how to boost self-confidence through three powerful pillars: strength training, nutrition, and Stoicism. We’ll take a closer look at how these elements work together to create unshakeable self-confidence.
The Power of Strength Training
Physical Strength for Mental Fortitude
I talked about this in my introduction, let’s touch on a few more reasons I believe strength training is vital for a healthy life. Strength training is more than just building muscles—it’s about building resilience. When you push your body to its limits, you also develop mental toughness and discipline that transcends into other areas of your life.
- Why It Matters: Physical accomplishments can give you a sense of achievement and motivate you to tackle other challenges with the same determination. Strength training has always been my foundation, the one thing I don’t waiver on. It’s so beneficial for my mental state, I don’t lift weights every day (there is a point of diminishing returns, we will talk about this in another post) usually 5 days a week. On the off days, I still get some movement typically with walking or bike riding. It’s all about consistency!
- Action Steps: Start with a simple routine, such as bodyweight exercises or lifting weights, and gradually increase the intensity. Don’t forget this is a lifelong practice, don’t rush it. Learn how to do things properly and stay consistent. Set a realistic goal for yourself, one you can stick to. Start with the basics until you master them. There is a lot of crap on the internet with expensive “secret” programs. You don’t need those, especially if you are new. When I started I had no idea what to do and followed Sylvester Stallone’s workout program from his old book Sly Moves. As I started getting stronger and my goals shifted I tried different programs to achieve my fitness goals and keep things interesting. CrossFit, Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, it doesn’t matter just do it!!
Nutrition for Confidence
Fueling Your Body and Mind
What you eat plays a crucial role in how you feel and perform. Proper nutrition fuels both your body and mind, ensuring you have the energy and clarity needed to face your challenges with confidence.
- Why It Matters: A balanced diet can improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and enhance your overall well-being. Nutrition is huge and will make your progress in the gym happen much faster. I love this quote from Socrates “Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat.” This quote expresses the idea that eating should be to sustain life and maintain health, rather than for indulgence and pleasure. Don’t get me wrong I still indulge from time to time.
- Practical Tips: Focus on whole foods, stay hydrated, and consider incorporating foods rich in colors and high protein. When you eat real foods, foods that have one ingredient like chicken, bell peppers, and bananas you will start feeling much better. Don’t waste your money on a bunch of supplements, your diet is the foundation. Play around with supplements later, only after you have consistency with the food, then have some fun with the supplements. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. Remember you can’t out-train a bad diet.
Embracing Stoic Wisdom
Mental Clarity Through Stoicism
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches us to focus on what we can control, accept what we cannot, and maintain a balanced perspective in all circumstances. Integrating Stoic principles into your daily routine can help you cultivate inner peace and mental clarity. Incorporating Stoicism into my daily routine has been instrumental in my life. I spend a little time each morning reading some Stoicism and journaling. I found this sets the tone for the day and gets me off on the right foot.
- Why It Matters: Stoic practices can help you manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging times. Many aspects of life depend on our perception, and practicing to shift our perspective can transform everything. Each of us has a personal narrative that shapes how we view the world, but that narrative is just our interpretation, not the true reality.
- Daily Practices: Start your day with a Stoic reflection or meditation, journal about what you can control or what the text inspires of you, and practice gratitude – write down things you are grateful for.
Combining These Elements
The synergy of strength training, nutrition, and Stoic wisdom creates a holistic approach to building self-confidence and mental resilience. By integrating these practices, you develop a resilient body, a nourished mind, and a grounded spirit—making you an unbreakable warrior.
First Steps to Boosting Your Self-Confidence
Here’s a simple routine you can start today:
- Morning Routine: Spend ten minutes in mindfulness or meditation, focusing on your strengths and goals.
- Physical Activity: Go to the gym, and lift some weights. If that isn’t accessible to you Include a quick workout session, even if it’s just 15 minutes of bodyweight exercises.
- Positive Affirmations: Write down three positive affirmations about yourself and repeat them throughout the day. This might sound difficult but I know you can do it.
In strength,
Corey