Phil Heath has become a beacon of inspiration for bodybuilding enthusiasts worldwide. Although he hasn’t competed since placing third in the 2020 Mr. Olympia contest, his journey and words continue to motivate many.

After his seventh win in 2017, Heath underwent surgery for an abdominal hernia and returned to the stage in 2018 and lost the Mr. Olympia title to Shawn Rhoden. In his documentary film Breaking Olympia: The Phil Heath Story, revealed how, upon reaching center stage, he realized, “You would be a liar if you didn’t follow through with what you were set to do. You walk in and you leave as a champion….and kicked a lot of fuc**ng a** in between. No one can take that shit away from me.” This mindset still resonates with him, as he reflects on his remarkable achievements in bodybuilding.

Now, Heath channels his experiences into motivating others. In a recent Instagram post, he encouraged his followers to push their limits, stating, “You have to find that EXTRA MILE regardless of the sacrifices and what it takes. Ask yourself, HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?” The 44-year-old encourages fans to spread positivity and inspiration to those they care about.

Accompanying his message, Heath shared a montage of his training regimen and stage performances, with a powerful voice-over by David Goggins. Goggins’ words resonated deeply: “Be great nowadays, my friend, because most people are weak. Most people don’t want to go that extra mile. Most people don’t want to find that extra, because it su*ks. It’s miserable. It’s lonely.”

Heath’s journey and his ability to rise above challenges have inspired many. His message is clear: greatness requires sacrifice, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to one’s goals. In a similar vein, Dr. Mike Israetel once shared that if someone is seeking motivation, they might not want it badly enough.

Dr. Mike Israetel gives a reality check to people who seek motivation

During an interview, Israetel emphasized how “If you have to ask how to get motivated to go to the gym, you don’t need to be going to the gym. You don’t want it enough.” According to him, determination doesn’t kick in from motivational videos but from a personal breaking point.

Israetel suggests a two-step approach to making the gym a regular habit: lowering barriers and raising the impetus. Lowering barriers means making the gym accessible by reducing costs, finding close locations, choosing fun exercises, and having training partners. Raising the impetus involves setting clear goals and fostering a genuine desire to be there.

He suggests that you start with easy workouts, like 30-45 minutes two or three times a week and then Gradually increase intensity as your habit solidifies, letting your internal motivation grow naturally.

Basically, both the seven-time Mr. Olympia and the exercise scientist have one thing to say: it depends on how badly you want it. If it is your heart’s desire, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals. Stay focused, have patience, work hard, believe in yourself, and begin with smaller goals. These smaller steps can help you reach the pinnacle of success.