MOTIVATION 101 - LIMIT THE SLACK AND STAY ON TRACK

Good Morning FITTNation
 
It has been a while since we last spoke…and I must admit, it has not been because I’ve lost interest in sharing with you some positive reinforcement. As you know and I know, life gets in the way and we tend to slip, lose focus, and find ourselves either clinging to the train with one hand or we completely fall off.

Does this sound like you…right now? Maybe a couple of days or weeks ago? Why is there such a struggle to just do what we set out to do?

If you feel like this, rest assured you’re not alone in the struggle – believe me it’s real! Even us fitness pros know what its like to go through that slump or drought and all we want to do is say “ahhhh forget it! I’m not in the mood to do this right now…I’ll wait til later”

Question is: when is later? When is a good time?

No situation will EVER be perfect – everything is just in line with your objectives and there are no challenges that get in your way, obstructing your view of your goals, so that you get there smoothly without any bumps or ditches in the road – YEAH RIGHT!

But that’s what makes the journey worth it – the learning experience, the trials, the missteps, the missed shots – all of that is part of the process. Granted, some people go through the process a little tougher than others and would rather not have to walk in the shoes their trekking in. Regardless, the process is what leads to success. And that’s all we want right?

So how do we keep that in perspective?

REMEMBER – EVERYONE GOES THROUGH IT

Some of the most successful people whom I’ve had the pleasure to meet, work with, and even observe as examples have all gone through the process – and have a heck of a story to tell about it. From family issues to mental challenges to injuries and emotional setbacks, they pushed through each barrier and eventually got to their initial goal. Some of them had to take their initial goal and break it down into micro goals which made the process last a little longer than they had hoped for. But, at the end of the day, they made it. It can be compared to climbing a mountain. Yes, the initial goal is to get to the top to see the world below, but once you start climbing, you realize that the top is pretty high – not impossible to reach but its up there! So, you adjust your goal and work on making it to the first landing.

One stage complete and just a couple more to go!

As you proceed, you take what you’ve learned from getting to that first landing and apply it to the next goal…and the next one…and the next one…and before you know it, you’re at the top. Sure you had to endure some slips, scrapes, and bruises along the way, not to mention bouts of self-doubt, questioning whether you’ll actually make it. And yeah, it took a little longer than you expected but all that matters is you’re there. And that is something to be proud of.

REMEMBER – THE PROCESS GIVES YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN

Of course, hearing about someone’s experience is cool but actually enduring it yourself is a whole different thing – and is definitely worth it! You learn a lot about yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, your limits – and how you can apply it to everyday life, not just related to your fitness goals. You are able to show yourself and others who support you how high you’re willing to climb to get to the top, re-enforcing the belief that YOU CAN DO IT, silencing the internal (and maybe even external) doubters until they find something else to say about your efforts.

REMEMBER – YOUR “WHY” HAS GOT TO BE SOLID

Listen, I’m going to be honest with you as I have been before: if your “why” isn’t on point, the process is either going to be pointless to you or just straight unachievable. The great thing about your “why” is just like your goals, it can be adjusted as well! Your initial WHY may be one thing, but it can be broken down into secondary WHYs too. But, regardless of the size, it has to be your unshakable driving force. Admittedly, even for me, my WHY can end up covered over by life and everything that comes with it but I’m reminded that its there every day that I wake up and get my day started down to when I go to bed at night. The same has to be for you too.

Oh and the most important thing to remember is: we’re human. It will not be a perfect ride…but ride with it nonetheless and do your best. Stick with the script to the best of your ability, celebrate your achievements, and maintain those positive vibes. That’s all I can ask of you.
 
Until next time…