TL;DR here is a basic mindset guide to bodybuilding for newbs. This isn't a specific program....plenty of better ones out there. It may work for you and may not.

Think of Bodybuilding as Sculpting

Think of the Statue of David. It’s easily one of the most impressive art works of all time. Leonardo Da Vinci started with a slab of marble and chiseled away at it until he arrived at his mind’s vision of perfection. This is how you must approach the Art of Bodybuilding.

We’re not just trying to lift the heaviest weight possible. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. In fact, I’m a big fan of the sports of Power Lifting and Crossfit. Bodybuilding is an art. We are trying to sculpt the human body into something beautiful.

Take a Critical Look

Start out by looking in the mirror. Take pictures if necessary. What are some things that look good about what you see? What are some things that need work? Maybe you need to bring that gut in a little. Maybe you need to broaden out the shoulders. I personally need to widen my lats…they aren’t in proportion with my shoulders and chest.

Work Out How to Get There

There is no work out plan that works for everyone. But do your research. There are great resources in You Tube, body building forums and of course the TRP subreddit. Try a few different regimens until you find something that works. Give any new program at 4-6 weeks to see if its producing results. Rather than following any person’s plan, find ways to incorporate their ideas into your exercise program.

Use What You Got

We can’t change our genetics but we can optimize whatever gifts we have. I’m 5’7 with a small bone structure. I am a naturally skinny person. I’m never going to get massive. But I could get absolutely shredded and have that lean, athletic look. Perhaps you are naturally “big boned” and you can get absolutely huge. To borrow from Elliot Hulse, you are trying to be the best version of yourself.

Have a Serious Nutrition Program

To use another cliche, you can’t out train a bad diet. Again, I won’t go into details about the right diet plan. There are many reasons why your diet would vary (bulking vs cutting, food intolerances, religious restrictions, differing tastes etc.). Just make sure that your diet is a key part of your bodybuilding program.

Start Your Workout with Purpose

Don’t just go through the motions. You’re not just blindly following a workout routine. Remind yourself what your objectives are for the day. Is it to build up your legs? To strengthen your core? To sculpt your chest? To what purpose are you devoting your precious time?

Monitor Your Progress

Take pictures, look in the mirror, maintain a workout notebook, use an app etc. Are you getting closer to your goal? Are you stagnating? Are you regressing? What potential factors went into a good workout? What was responsible for your lousy day at the gym? We must have some means to measure and track our progress.

It’s a Contest Against You

This isn’t like football or basketball where we’re keeping score. Yes, there are competitive bodybuilding competitions. But the bodybuilders compete by creating the best versions of themselves. Kai Greene tries to beat Phil Heath by working on what he’s got rather than trying to become Phil Heath. Lou Ferrigno tried to win by showcasing his massive size, Arnold beat him by having more aesthetic proportions.

Most of us aren’t trying to win Mr. Olympia. We simply want to improve our health, build our confidence, improve our looks and challenge ourselves physically and mentally. This is what I love about bodybuilding. I will never be anywhere near as swol as some of guys in my gym. But I look a hell of a lot better than I did a few years ago. I also have more energy, a stronger sex drive and overall better mood.

Merry Christmas fuckers! I hope 2016 was good for you and that you crush 2017.

Edit: As pointed out by u/urosinho10 it was Michaelangelo and not Da Vinci that sculpted the statue of David.