To be honest I find cutting the easiest. I know what calories I have to stick to and not go over for it to work. Once you have the plan it is pretty easy to stick to.
Maintaining just feels like no mans land.
Lean bulk is basically just like cutting but with a few extra calories. Problem is the bulking mindset. You know you are bulking so tend to not be too fussed with going over calories a bit. Ends up turning into a semi dirty bulk and gaining more fat than you want.
Of course just plain bulking is the easiest but that just ends up fat fucking yourself.
This exactly.
Add in: comfort of relationships, hectic work life et al and you can easily regress. I put myself under the hammer though in terms of my ideal body.
I myself find it easier to stick to a plan, and not deviate too much. You tend to become lax when you're maintaining and 'lean bulking'. If you're not naturally lean - this can be quite damaging. Our minds very easily justify what we do when in a particular mindset in relation to our goals.
What really helps I have found is not being lackadaisical. You need to work with the cards you have been dealt, some find it very difficult to stay lean (at or under 12%) year round. It's a tough task.
Two things I believe really help
1) Writing down the goals. Visualise where you want to be. What weight, numbers, poudanges, bodyfat? Have a map of how you're going to get there.
2) The power of accountability. Tell others about what you're doing. This is why logs on forums and telling friends and family helps. It keeps you accountable. Not only this, if they're good people around you they'll either join in, or help you and understand what you're doing. 'I'm lean bulking anyway, few extra calories can't hurt'. It's similar to the 'moderation trap'. Everything in 'moderation'. 'Oh well, I have only eaten a packet of chips this week, only had ice cream once, only had Chocolate on Saturday and I have been good but had Fish & Chips Sunday.. haven't eaten that in 3 weeks!'. When you tally it up; it's not entirely moderate is it?
I have always found it easier training with someone who is at my level, has my commitment and drive. I even try to find someone leaner and stronger than me to train with. Pretty hard task at a 'Re-Creation Health Club' but can be done
There's no better motivation training with someone who looks better than you, and is bigger, stronger, faster or whatever it is you have in mind for yourself.