Just the other day, someone asked me what I thought was the #1 "Most Important Factor" in determining how fit and muscular you became.

They wanted to know if it was Cardio, Weight Training, or Proper Nutrition. I think my answer may have puzzled him a bit because I said it was none of those.

After I thought about the question for a few minutes, I told him that there was a more important factor that preceded any of those he mentioned.

I told him it was your attitude that determined your fitness levels and what type of condition you'll achieve.

You see, proper nutrition, supplements, cardio exercise, and weight training are all important factors, but it is your attitude that determines how hard you focus on each of those areas.

Generally speaking, your attitude is simply how you view things in life, how you see something to be.

More specifically, you either have a positive view, or slant on things, or a negative view. This attitude shines through in all that you do, including working out and dieting.

If you generally have a good, positive attitude towards fitness, then you are going to approach working out with more intensity and more meaning.

You realize that in order to achieve and maintain a certain level of conditioning, you have to "pay the price" and put in some hard work.

But working out does not seem to be a "chore" with a positive attitude.

You look forward to it and feel positive knowing that the steps you take in and out of the gym are going to bring you closer to the body that you want.

On the other hand, if you approach working out and dieting with more of a "negative attitude" you are either going to:

1. Do nothing at all as far as working out and eating healthy because it all seems like so much hard work to get in great shape.

Since working out seems like a chore, you find it much easier just to sit back and complain about your current situation, doing nothing to fix it.

With a negative view, you label "working out" as too much hard work and do not take the necessary steps to get the body you want. That's why it's important to view working out in a positive light and not a negative one.

Focus more on what you want rather than what you don't want. Or, with a negative attitude:

2. You are going to do the bare minimum when it comes to working out and watching what you eat.

With a negative mindset, you're maybe going to go to the gym once in a while, but once there, not give it your 100% all.

When it comes time to maintain a healthy eating regimen, you are not going to be quite as strict as you should be and you are going to give in to "instant pleasure" when the long term rewards seem so distant and far away.

So be more aware of your mindset and attitude when it comes to working out and getting fit.

Like Zig Ziglar says, "Do a check-up from the neck up."

If you approach bodybuilding with a positive attitude, you ARE going to take the necessary steps to get in shape, even when it would be so much easier to stay in and watch TV.

You realize that persistence will pay off and that all of these workouts and times skipping the pizza WILL get you where you want to be.

Conversely, approach your workouts and nutrition with a negative mindset and you are setting yourself up for failure.

If you view working out and healthy eating with a negative viewpoint, you are not going to give your best when doing them.

As I am sure you're aware, you only get in return what you give, harvest what you plant.

Be more positive in all areas of your fitness approach and you will get the body you want much, much faster.

About the author:

Personal trainer and natural bodybuilder Shawn LeBrun offers proven muscle building workout routines to help you build muscle and lose fat in less time. Visit Shawn Lebrun Fitness to learn how.