Muscle building motivation is futile unless it comes from within. Since, for most, it's a lifestyle choice more so than an end goal, muscle building enthusiasts need something to keep them going beyond simply getting excited about potential physique-related results.
You've heard it before; find your why. But even the why isn't enough to sustain the years of grueling (along with the not-so-grueling) workouts, the constant (and yo-yo) dieting, the meticulous approach to resting that some professional athletes can't grasp, the regular aerobic activity (i.e., cardio and/or, to an extent, circuit training), and so on and so forth. So, what options are available for individuals passionate about muscle building yet feeling de-motivated in their infinite pursuit of maximum hypertrophy?
Make It Fun
In my years of serious training (now well over two decades worth), I've come across several fitness devices claimed to be the end-all pieces of equipment for building muscle. Those that caught my attention tended to also do well in their respective market. They weren't fads (although some were short-lived); they were powerful machines and/or concepts that grasped what muscle building aficionados were attempting to accomplish (more often than not because the founders, too, were part of this group). While they were effective, they usually weren't dynamic enough to support more experienced lifters for one simple reason; working with, in most cases, a single type of resistance (as virtually all were based on) proved to be lackluster.
Whether it just isn't enough for a seasoned bodybuilder, for example, to continually make gains with, or it becomes flat-out boring for a person with such a high level of training expertise after only a few months of consistent usage — rarely could these devices maintain the interest of prosumers for extended lengths of time.
There are a handful of ways to keep the spark alive in this regard. They are as follows.
Train in Different Environments
Working out in several locations (home gym, local health club[s], at work/school, etc) and alternating between them may help with maintaining a fresh outlook on training. Added benefits consist of an improved mood along with the ability to socialize with different groups of people.
Change Your Program
Several lifters swear by what they consider to be the ultimate program (naturally based on their character, body type, and general goal). But the truth is, and while there is evidence to support continual improvements on a single resistance training regimen, the majority of people need the occasional change in order to continually achieve results.
In a way, switching things up (including the specific equipment) is a substitute for increasing the amount of weight used with each workout. In other words, as we grow and our body demands more, introducing our muscles to a new grouping or level of exercises can offer better results (especially if underdeveloped muscle fibres are now being targeted). This physical shift in perspective will likely have the effect of making your workouts more enjoyable, too.
Eat Healthy Rather Than Diet
Nutrition is the piece of the puzzle that most trainees have difficulty with. Strict dieting may be necessary for a competitive bodybuilder, but for the average muscle building enthusiast, it could have detrimental consequences, and, therefore, lead to a lack of motivation. The cravings from restrictive eating can eventually lead to binge eating (i.e., going in the opposite direction), so it's something to be mindful of. The key to avoiding this is turning to healthy alternatives for filling whatever deficit you're currently experiencing.
If you crave sugar, eat a fruit, vegetable, or another whole food high in carbohydrates (eg: rice, oatmeal, etc). If you're generally hungry most of the time, understand that it's normal for most individuals who work out regularly. That being said, eating a lot of the good foods, in my opinion, is a better option for curbing hunger in comparison to being 100% on-point with your diet six days out of the week followed by eating whatever and as much as you want (i.e., back to the binge eating) on the seventh day.
Make It Worthwhile
For some, starting/running a business associated with their passion for muscle building provides ample motivation to train, eat, and rest appropriately. For others, it can have an opposing effect. If relevant financial ties aren't enough to keep you in shape, it's important to celebrate the small wins on your path.
You Look Good
It sounds contradictory, and it is, but the majority of people who work out don't think they look good. Keep in mind that the population at large would give up a lot in order to fast-track even a fraction of the results you've acquired for themselves. Still, what should be a confidence-builder quickly grows into an obsession — and not being able to see the forest for the trees is unfortunately a part of it. Whether or not you care about the opinion of others, it doesn't make individuals taking notice in your physique any less of an accomplishment. You look good; accept it.
Every Goal is an Ultimate Goal
To an extent, every goal you set for yourself can be perceived as an ultimate goal. This goes back to one of my original statements. Muscle building is a journey for many; I'd argue that it is for everyone (simply because, as humans, we either want more or something different upon reaching our destination).
If the above-mentioned is true, then speed shouldn't be a factor as far as muscle building motivation is concerned. Things take time, and, for the large part, greatness can only be achieved through a slow process consisting of incremental steps (micro-goals, if you will). Now, if this is the case, you, as a lifter, should never get down on yourself for not being where you'd like to be. What you want could be around the corner — or maybe it's not... but it's definitely a part of who you are, which means it's inevitable.