Figure Competitors - Solutions for Success

MWA: What are some of the biggest obstacles women who are at this "extreme" level face, and more importantly, what are the solutions to ensure success?

Dr. Mohr: With figure competitions, it can be tough staying positive and clean with the diet, particularly the farther out from a competition you are. However, I think that time is just as critical as right before the competition. It all has to do with "letting yourself off the hook." When you say you will do something, such as eat clean, workout 2 x per day, pack meals ahead of time, etc., and then you don't, you chisel away at the commitment you've made to yourself.

The first time you do it, it's easy to rationalize (remember: "to rationalize" means "to tell yourself rational lies"). The next time, it becomes easier and easier to rationalize and pretty soon you're deciding whether you should choose a later contest or push it off until next year. Maybe it's a little fear of failure, maybe it's fear of success, but it all boils down to not believing in yourself enough to commit to make it happen.

So stay positive and focused. Make lists of goals, and not only the big goals: break them down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals, so you have something very specific to follow. Celebrate small successes, but not with food! Another great tool is using visualization techniques every single day.

Visualize long-term goals such as being on stage but also daily goals such as completing a tough leg workout or being around friends and passing up dessert. Research has shown that the mind doesn't know the difference between a dress rehearsal and the real thing.

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