How Shifting Your Mindset Can Make the Gym Part of Who You Are
Decide who you want to be. Success is about showing up.
Client Spotlight: Rory’s Story – From Skipping Workouts to Showing Up Consistently
We all start with good intentions.
You get a membership. You picture yourself training hard, getting stronger, dropping body fat, and feeling like a fitter version of yourself.
Then… life happens.
Work is busy. You’re tired. That little voice in your head says, “You’ll go tomorrow.” One missed class turns into three. A week off turns into two. And soon that identity—the one where you’re a regular gym-goer—is replaced by old habits.
Sound familiar? It happens to everyone.
The truth is: success in fitness isn’t about finding the perfect plan—it’s about showing up.
And the key to showing up starts with your mindset.
Client Spotlight: Rory’s Breakthrough
One of our members at Thunder & Lightning, Rory, recently shared a moment that changed everything for him—and it’s a perfect example of the mental shift that turns intentions into action:
"I had a slow start to life at T&L. Not helped by an injury and trips abroad. The hard truth? I still wasn’t in the right mindset.
Until something clicked a few weeks ago. I was tired of taking the easy option and making excuses for why I was cancelling on classes. ‘Work was too busy.’ ‘I’m just tired this evening.’ And a whole myriad of other inventive excuses.
I was bored of that person and that defeatist voice in my head. So I did something that I’ve always struggled to do—just show up. It doesn’t have to be the perfect set or smooth sailing, I just had to be there and put the time in.
Now I’m not aiming for perfection. Just putting in the sessions and enjoying the ride!"
We love this—not just because Rory is showing up consistently, but because he made the choice to change the story he was telling himself.
How Mindset Shapes Identity
Notice what changed for Rory?
Not the perfect program. Not a secret new diet.
Just the decision to show up and do the work—without letting perfection or excuses get in the way.
When you consistently show up—even on days when you don’t feel like it—you shift your self-image.
You stop thinking of yourself as someone “trying to get in shape” and start seeing yourself as “someone who trains.”
That’s a powerful shift.
When going to the gym becomes part of who you are, it’s easier to stay consistent. You no longer wrestle with “Should I go today?” You just do—because it’s what you do.
Show up and do the work - no excuses.
You “win” fitness by being the kind of person who shows up.
Action Plan: Make the Gym Part of Your Identity
Want to follow Rory’s lead? Here’s how to start:
Stop aiming for perfect days.
Not every workout will feel great. Some days will feel sluggish. That’s okay. Show up anyway.
Stack small wins.
The more consecutive weeks you attend, the more it becomes “normal” to go—even when you’re busy or tired.
Watch your self-talk.
Are you saying, “I don’t have time” or “I’ll never be consistent”? Change that to:
“I’m the kind of person who shows up.”
“I prioritize my training.”
Get support.
Struggling to stay accountable? That’s what we’re here for. Book a check-in with your coach, or grab a training partner and schedule your sessions in advance.
You Don’t Need Perfection—You Need Consistency
You won’t “win” fitness in one week or one challenge.
You win it by becoming the kind of person who shows up.
One session at a time.
One week at a time.
One small mindset shift at a time.
Inspired by Rory’s story? Let’s make your own. Click here to book a free consultation and let’s build your momentum.