Have you labeled yourself a hardgainer? Maybe others have given you that label, and you're wondering if there really is such a thing. Well, I guess it depends on how you define the word. If by hardgainer you mean someone who has a particularly hard time gaining muscle because of their genetic makeup, then yes I think it's safe to say that there are such individuals. However, if you think that means that you are bound to remain a skinny guy forever who can do nothing about gaining muscle, you should think again. In the absence of a serious physical abnormality, anyone can build a substantial amount of muscle. Instead of blaming your parents for the genes that they've given you, you need to make a long-term commitment to knowledge and action.

Yes, I know it's not fair. Some individuals are gifted with the ability to gain muscle more easily than you, just as different individuals possess varying degrees of intelligence, musical ability, etc. You definitely should not give up because of this, however. You may have to accept the reality that gaining muscle is not going to be a walk in the park for you. You have to accept the fact that some will have an easier time building muscle. It may not actually be true. Those guys may actually have to work harder than you think, and they may indeed have put in many months or years to achieve the results. Others may have an advantage, so you'll just have to put in a little more effort.

Your attitude will play a bigger role than you think in your path to gaining strength. Believe it or not, your way of thinking can dramatically influence your results in the gym. If you begin your muscle building program with the belief that you can't succeed, you've already doomed yourself to failure. If you dwell on the obstacles, they will grow in your mind and become insurmountable. When this happens, you stop taking action because you've already assumed that it simply can't be done. Focus on solutions instead of on the problems. Instead of thinking of yourself as a hardgainer, decide today that you'll find a way to succeed. Search for a comprehensive program that will give you the right knowledge you need to succeed and then apply it. Action is key!