It’s ALL in your Head – 2 Tips to Train your Brain
Written by Amanda Russell
“What a nightmare”
That was the immediate response I received when I first shared my personal journey on how my career in fitness developed.
Why, on so many occasions, didn’t I just pack up and go home, clearly the universe was against me pursuing my goals, from physically& professionally to financially and personally.
This reaction completely shocked me because I had never thought of my journey as a nightmare. Whether it was sheer ignorance, stubbornness, unfailing optimism, or some combination, the option to pack up and go home didn’t even cross my mind.
What I didn’t know at the time, was that this would become one of the greatest lessons I could learn: I didn’t see it as a nightmare because thinking negatively wasn’t an option in my mind.
You always hear “it all about your attitude, yatta yatta yatta…”, but it wasn’t until I received this other perspective that it hit me. Life really is all in your head!
As I get older I become more skeptical, more analytical and try to remind myself of this.
It doesn’t matter where you are in your life, what you are doing or what life circumstances are thrown in your path your attitude determines your happiness and your experience.
My journey is far from over, but the most valuable thing I have learned thus far is that the mind is the most powerful tool you have, just as you can train your body to be fit and strong, you can train your mind – and when you do, the two flow in harmony and nothing can stop you.
Yes you will inevitably get knocked down while pursuing anything worthwhile, but when your mind is fit, it is the strongest muscle there is and the more you practice the more it will automatically fight to win.
Just as we do exercises for the body, I want to share with you some of my brain-training tips (and yes they will definitely help your workouts, thus our fitness), but can be applied to all aspects of your life:
1. Every time someone asks you how you are, reply with a full smile and say something uplifting, “Fabulous”, Wonderful, Super….you choose what works for you.
This simple little switch will not only have a subconscious impact on your mood, but it will also make people around you respond to you more positively. People are attracted to those with good energy and good attitudes. So you give out good, and you will get better in return.
2. Halfway through your next workout – check in with yourself and tell yourself it feels so good to be physically able to be working your body, moving it, strengthening it and Push a little harder.
Try it and let me know what you think in the comments!
Love,
Amanda
Article author
About the Author
Amanda Russell is a top-rated fitness and lifestyle writer, professional keynote speaker, Olympic-trained athlete, model, spokeswoman, founder of www.FitStrongandSexy.com and one of the industry's leading experts on fitness, wellness and change. Amanda hosts and executive produces the online fitness series: Fit Strong and Sexy. To watch Amanda's show, visit www.Youtube.com/AmandaRussell
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
The Real Reason Your Diet Isn't "Sticking" (It's Not About Discipline)
September 17, 2026
Article
Gym Etiquette in Cincinnati: A Beginner’s Guide to Hygiene and Courtesy
Learn the essential gym etiquette rules every beginner should know, from personal hygiene and cleaning equipment to respecting shared spaces. Follow these simple tips to make every workout safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone.
September 14, 2026
Article
The Discipline of Doing Two Hard Things Well
Most people think building both strength and endurance is a willpower problem. Push harder, want it more, grind through the fatigue. It isn't. It's a sequencing problem — and learning to solve it teaches something bigger than fitness.
September 13, 2026
Article
Budget-Friendly Anti-Inflammatory Swaps
Frozen berries, canned fish, dried lentils & local seasonal produce — same benefits, lower cost. No expensive superfoods required.
September 13, 2026