In all the years I’ve been coaching people on improving their health, fitness and happiness, there is one story I’ve heard more than any other.
“I’ll start after ______.”
Fill in the blank with any excuse you like.
After I get back from vacation.
After the holidays.
After my work schedule calms down.
Here’s the thing: If you’re waiting for the perfect time, it’s never going to come, because there is none.
The answer to the question, “When should I start,” is always, “Now.”
The longer you wait the harder things will be. And the longer you “Do The Things,” the more powerful exercise and eating right will be for you.
Here are a few things to focus on if you’re ready to get started:
Focus On Strength Training. I know I’m biased, but hear me out. Strength training sends the strongest signal to our brains to fight father time. As in, building muscle, not losing it. This leads to healthier joints, better stamina, and the ability to move more and move better doing things you love.
Don’t Try To Be Perfect. There’s a reason most diets fail, they’re not sustainable. So if you’re looking for perfection, you’re setting yourself up for failure, especially with all the temptations we have at this time of year. Focus on one small improvement at a time. Eating more fruits and veggies and having protein with every meal, for example. And don’t beat yourself up if you grab a holiday cookie. Just do more things right than wrong and you’ll be away ahead of the game.
Commit To Something. You need a “Why.” I often tell my clients that the word WORK is literally the first part of WORKout. You will need a reason beyond discipline to keep this thing going. It can be family or friends, or your coach. I don’t care who or what it is, just anything and anyone you can commit to beyond yourself.
You can do this if you start today.
And if you’ve been doing it, but have fallen off track a bit like most of us do during holiday season, you can get BACK on track if you start today.
Comments