How To Stay Motivated During Your Bulking Journey.

If we are being honest, bulking sounds fun. You get to eat more, lift heavier, and (hopefully) pack on some serious muscle. But once you’re a few weeks in, staring at the same chicken and rice, feeling sluggish from all the extra food, and wondering if your abs will ever return, staying motivated can become a real challenge. If you’ve ever hit that “why am I even doing this?” stage in your bulk, you’re not alone.

Bulking is more than just eating more and lifting heavier; it’s a mental game just as much as a physical one. You need patience, discipline, and a solid mindset to push through the moments where motivation dips. Here’s how you can stay locked in and committed throughout your bulking journey.

Eat Out When You Can! It Helps A lot.

1. Set a Clear Goal Beyond Just "Getting Bigger"

It’s easy to say, “I just want to get big.” But what does that actually mean? Setting specific and measurable goals will give you something to focus on. Instead of just aiming to gain weight, think in terms of strength milestones, body composition targets, or even performance goals. Maybe you want to hit a 100kg bench press, gain 5kg of lean mass, or improve your squat depth while maintaining mobility. When you have a goal that goes beyond just the number on the scale, it’s easier to stay committed.

2. Track Your Progress (But Not Just the Scale)

One of the biggest motivation killers in a bulk is stepping on the scale and seeing fluctuations that don’t make sense. Some days you’ll be up, some days you’ll be down—it’s normal. Instead of obsessing over your weight, track multiple aspects of progress:

• Strength numbers: Are your lifts going up?

• Measurements: Are your arms, chest, or legs growing?

• Progress photos: Can you see improvements over time?

• Energy levels & recovery: Do you feel stronger and more capable in the gym?

When you focus on different markers of progress, you’re less likely to feel discouraged by minor setbacks.

3. Keep Your Diet Interesting

Eating more sounds amazing until you realise you’re forcing down another plate of dry chicken and rice. Food fatigue is real, and if you’re constantly dreading your meals, motivation will tank. The key is to make your meals enjoyable while still hitting your macros. Try different protein sources (steak, turkey, salmon), switch up your carb choices (sweet potatoes, pasta, bagels), and add flavour with spices, sauces, and different cooking methods. Bulking doesn’t have to mean eating like a robot.

4. Find the Right Training Split for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to workout programs. If you’re dreading your gym sessions, it might be time to change things up. Whether it’s push/pull/legs, upper/lower, or a body part split, choose a program that excites you. Also, don’t be afraid to incorporate things that make training fun—drop sets, supersets, or even an occasional powerlifting day to test your maxes.

5. Accept the Temporary Loss of Definition

One of the hardest parts of bulking for many guys is losing the lean, shredded look they worked so hard for. The truth is, you can’t gain serious muscle without adding some fat—it’s part of the process. Instead of focusing on short-term aesthetics, remind yourself that this phase is necessary for long-term progress. Stay patient and trust the process.

6. Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People

Motivation is contagious. If you’re constantly around people who don’t train or don’t understand your goals, it’s easy to feel isolated or uninspired. Surround yourself with gym buddies, online communities, or even follow fitness influencers who inspire you. Having people who share your mindset makes the journey feel less like a grind and more like a shared mission.

7. Don’t Let Bad Workouts Throw You Off

Not every workout will be amazing. Some days you’ll feel like a beast; other days, the weights will feel heavier than usual. It’s normal. The key is consistency. Even a subpar workout is better than skipping entirely. Show up, do what you can, and move on—progress is built over months and years, not single sessions.

8. Use Small Wins to Keep You Going

Bulking is a long-term process, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not making progress day-to-day. That’s why celebrating small wins is crucial. Maybe you hit a new PR, maybe you finally filled out that t-shirt a little better, or maybe you just stuck to your meal plan for a full week. Recognise and appreciate these moments—they add up.

9. Take Recovery Seriously

More food and heavier weights mean more stress on your body. If you’re constantly exhausted, unmotivated, or feeling run down, you might not be recovering properly. Get enough sleep, take rest days when needed, and don’t be afraid to incorporate stretching, mobility work, or even massage therapy. The better your recovery, the better your results.

10. Keep Your "Why" Front and Center

At the end of the day, motivation comes and goes. What keeps you going is your reason for doing this in the first place. Whether it’s to be stronger, build confidence, improve athletic performance, or simply prove to yourself that you can do it, remind yourself of your "why" every time doubt creeps in.

Leave with this:

Bulking isn’t just about eating more and lifting heavier—it’s a test of discipline, patience, and mindset. Some days will be easy, and some will feel like a grind, but if you stay focused on your goals, track your progress, and find ways to keep things enjoyable, you’ll come out on the other side stronger, bigger, and more confident. Stick with it, trust the process, and remember—every meal, every workout, and every bit of effort you put in is bringing you closer to the physique and strength you’re working for.

Now, get in the gym and make it happen.