I went to the gym last night, and I intentionally didn't take my headphones with me. Instead, what I did, was read the book I've been itching to finish between sets. I know you can't read a book while running, but... audio books might work there too.
There is a certain steady rhythm though, when it comes to exercising with music. Some people claim to not be able to do it without it, but if you're focused and following the program you're working towards, you should be able to execute the same lifts / weight / endurance without it.
I think having something else in your head other than your own self doubts probably helps people, but for me, I would rather focus on dulling out those self doubts, and then being able to apply that to everyday being, instead of just drowning it out with music.
But don't get me wrong, I absolutely love music, and there's nothing better than listening to it, but I have been trying to think about the why I or others do things a lot more recently, and this is a new conclusion I've just come up with. :)
Thank you for your thoughts!