The hardest part of anything is starting. Whether you're trying to be an entrepreneur, climb a mountain, or start exercising; getting over the fear of failing, or what could go wrong is the worst part. Without feeling the fear of failing, you'll never be pushing your potential and really growing. Everyone knows why they should exercise. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Americans are obese, the number one cause of death in the U.S is heart disease, and Type 2 Diabetes rates are growing in children and adults. So why don't people start? It is a question every trainer and coach ask, but I think it has to do with being afraid, afraid of that first step. Afraid to challenge themselves, to have to work hard at something, and to reach their true potential. Without a strong body, how can you have a strong mind? Without a strong mind, how can you have a strong body?
Weight loss all starts with baby steps. Set small achievable goals and
accomplish them, then move on to the next one. These could be as simple
as, go to the gym today. It doesn't matter if you walk, run, or lift
once you get there, just go. Once you achieve that goal, make your next
one to go 3X a week, then 5X a week. Then start setting diet goals.
Starting cutting out sugary and processed foods. Next make sure you eat a
lean protein and veggie at each meal. Finally try spacing your foods
out into 4-6 separate meals throughout the day. These are just examples,
but each of these things are a goal; building on top of each other to
accomplish the big goal of being in the best shape ever. When you take
the next step by achieving the previous goal, you give yourself this
little boost of energy and motivation that you're going to get there.
Soon, you'll be a mental toughness, fat burning machine, and no soda or
doughnut is going to get in your way.
All of these steps that you create for yourself are helping to sharpen
your mind into the strongest tool you've ever had. While this journey is
going on, you'll also be teaching yourself balance. Learning how to
prepare your food ahead of time and make getting to the gym a priority
for yourself. It will stop being an after thought and starting being
what you look forward to all day. All of a sudden, you'll have time to
fit in workouts, yoga, or meditation. Did you somehow unlock extra hours
in the day? No, you just started using them for more worthwhile things.
Your new strong mind is helping to create a more balanced life,
unlocking the secret hours in the day for yourself. There is no safer
and better investment than in oneself.
With your new body, comes your new mind. This mental
toughness that you've now created will seep into every aspect of your
life. You'll be a better employee or boss, a better father, mother,
husband, or wife; you'll just be a better person. You will have a new
sense of confidence in everything you do. You will look better, feel
better, and move better. Knowing that you set a physical goal, saw it
all the way through and tried your absolute best, proves to yourself
that you can do whatever you set your mind to. That translates directly
to how you go about other challenges in your life. It does not matter if
it's a fitness goal. Everything else in your life will just seem easier
once you finally get yourself in the best shape of your life, because
if you can do that, you can do anything.
I cannot say enough about the importance of having a strong will and mind. When you have have an unbeatable mind, nothing can stop you. It is such a great feeling going into any situation believing that you can accomplish your object; knowing that no matter what, you are going to give it you all and never quit. Even if you fail, you'll know that you gave it everything you possible have, that you put all of your energy into your objective and held nothing back. Personally, I'm still working on having a truly unbeatable mind, but it's a constant practice. I don't believe that in order to start a fitness program you need to have this mindset, but through finishing a program and accomplishing your goal, you will come out a changed person; a truly stronger person, who knows that they can do whatever their mind wants. I believe that besides the health reasons, creating a stronger mind is the single best thing that comes from following through on an exercise program.
If you're a parent, you know how much your kids take after you and look up to you. They will start to pick up on this new, stronger and more confident version of you. They'll see you choose healthy options at the store instead of McDonald's. They will wonder how and when did their mom or dad become a super hero? Your children will feed off of this, and grow up with a strong mind. They will see that exercise is just a part of life. Exercising and eating healthy does not have to be something you do 3 months before the beach. It should just be part of life, the same way going to work has unfortunately become, "life."
You'll have more energy to play with your kids. Some of the best exercising in the world happens on the elementary school playground. Kids are running, jumping, playing, climbing, rolling, throwing, and catching; all while having FUN! You'll be able to do these things with your kids and grow even closer to them through sports and fitness. They won't even think of it as exercise, they'll just be having a good time. I cannot stress enough, the importance of teaching children at a young age how important and special their health is. Childhood obesity rates are rising, take an active step towards helping them have a better life; feed them good food and just play with them.
I hope I've inspired someone to take that first step. Fear is necessary; it is expected, but life after and even during the process is so great. Become the strongest you; feel better, move better, live better. The physical benefits are just the outer shell of what is gained through weight loss. Afterwards, the strength of the mind and will is truly unbelievable. So take that first step, I dare you. Don't wait till next week or even tomorrow. Do it right now. Commit to becoming stronger, more confident, and living a better balanced life. Overcome that fear, it all starts with this first step.
In true strength,
Nick
Brick by Brick Fitness
