There are two kinds of fitness: physical and mental. Physical fitness is often admired, while mental fitness is more likely to be rejected.

When people see your body becoming fit, they will praise you. They might criticize the way you lose weight or exercise, but they won’t deny the results of your physical transformation.

However, when people notice that your mind is becoming fit, they usually feel uncomfortable. They may think you’ve changed, become arrogant, naive, foolish, or distant. They don’t want to be around someone who no longer fits into their social circle. If they’re close friends or family, they might feel like you’re on the wrong path and wish you would return to your old self.

People tend to worship what looks appealing, but feel uneasy when faced with someone who no longer conforms to their expectations.

Physical fitness comes from a process of internal body cleansing. In the same way, mental fitness is achieved through a process of internal thought and conscious cleansing. Mental fitness is the result of mental clarity — the ability to see and understand your own mental structure.

The process begins with chaos and confusion (disorder):

• Become aware of your current behavior patterns and mindset.
• Identify the sacrifices you’re afraid to make.
• Clarify your core values by letting go of secondary beliefs.
• Rebuild your mental structure with the strongest beliefs that remain.

Mental clarity helps you:

• Identify who you are.
• Your actions naturally align with your self-defined identity.
• With consistent actions, you develop discipline.
• Over time, these actions lead to mental fitness.

Just like shedding unnecessary weight strengthens your body, shedding unproductive thoughts strengthens your mind. Strengthening your inner mental muscles always involves some degree of pain. This pain often comes from ridicule or failure, but it’s a necessary part of the journey.

Surround yourself with a good coach and like-minded individuals — people who exercise not for appearances, but for true fitness, both physical and mental.