How to get that X-Factor and succeed?

I have been working with athletes and bodybuilders for over 23 years through LA Muscle and much longer before.

What I find so interesting is, what dictates success in bodybuilding and fitness? What makes someone become a superstar and what makes someone else end up working a normal 9-5 and not progress in the fitness industry?

A few things rule this “destiny” of people. I would class them as luck, contacts, determination, persistence, correct goal setting and sacrifices.

In addition to the above and most importantly, I would say having that X-Factor is very important.

I have worked with so many fitness guys and girls and VERY few of them truly make it to the top of the game. The ones that do always have something special about them. The ones that don't always think that having a nice body and being in good shape is enough to get them to the top! Unfortunately, there is always someone else with a better body just around the corner!

What is X-Factor?

I would class X-Factor as having something over and above others. It comes in the form of confidence, certainty and unshakable belief. It is charisma and being outgoing and having an “infectious” positive personality.

Even if you are not an extrovert in real life, you need to almost create a separate personality for yourself that HAS that X-Factor. Many people say that you either have it or you don’t. This may be the case, however if you are so set on getting to the top, then you are going to have to create that X-Factor too.

They say Freddie Mercury was an introvert. Maybe changing his name to Freddie Mercury helped! I know for a fact that many top fitness athletes and bodybuilders becomes a different person when they “adopt” a different personality. Call it a stage personality or a stage name like “Black Diamond” or “Ab Man” or “Dragon Slayer” or whatever.

How can you get that X-Factor?

• Choose someone who you find charismatic to model yourself on.

• Choose a stage name, more in tune with who you “wish” to be - especially if you are an introvert.

• Dress like a star. “Peacoking” as they call it, is invaluable in cementing your “stardom” and sense of having that X-Factor.

• Always talk positive about yourself to yourself and to others. What the mind hears, it believes.

• Take and keep the best photos of yourself and ditch any that don’t fit in with your positive self image.

• Go to self-confidence courses and become more confident.

• Improve your posture. Stand tall, stand proud.

• If you have nothing to say, say nothing.

• Always speak with good purpose (similar to the above).

I can honestly say that all the people who went on to become fitness stars via LA LA Muscle or The Active Channel, 100% had that X-Factor. People like Rob Riches, Anthony Joshua, Danni Levy etc all had something special about them.

Parham Donyai

Founder, LA Muscle