In Episode 2 of The Journey, we caught up with elite athletes Tom Lengyel in Geelong and Jordan Bender in Melbourne. With multiple appearances between them at Regionals and the Games — and with their eyes on qualifying as individuals this year — it’s safe to say Lengyel and Bender know a thing or two about CrossFit. Each athlete gave us a glimpse into his training and nutrition; and while no two people are the same, there’s one thing that is the same across both Lengyel and Bender’s lifestyle: the importance of the right mentality.

It might sound cheesy or cliche but it’s completely true: mindset is everything. This is something Bender can vouch for, as he does almost all of his training alone. In Episode 1, Luke McMahon and Matt McLeod described how training together gives them each the motivation they sometimes need to get through a particularly grueling workout. In Bender’s case, his motivation, that extra push, comes from one place: his own mind. No one reminds him to eat well and get adequate rest. It’s on him.

Lengyel’s approach is slightly different. He shared with TWL how pivotal his relationships have been in his athletic pursuits. Having friends who understand his goals means they know when he needs support and encouragement, and when he needs space. Because his friends help him get through hard times, Lengyel is all the more motivated to make them proud.

They’re two different approaches that have gotten each athlete very far in life.

Fitness as a lifestyle is something else both athletes touched on. Past lessons taught Lengyel to approach his training with more professionalism. What happens outside the gym is as important as, if not more important than, what happens inside the gym. This helps him stay on track with nutrition and recovery.

It’s a sentiment Bender echoes, adding one important point: while competing (and fitness in general) is indeed a lifestyle, it’s vital you find balance. Sometimes, you bring the gym home with you and it becomes the center of your world. You can get to a place where your performance in the gym determines if you have a good or bad day. This will end badly, Bender notes, explaining fitness should be a part of your life — not your whole life — and something that enhances it. It shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should bring you happiness.

Is a positive and balanced mindset something you’re still working on? We all are! Check out the full episode below; and if you haven’t already, be sure to visit Episode 1.