I've worked in fitness for a long time and I find the biggest obstacle people face when attempting to get fit is right in their own head. You start coming up with all these potential issues that are going to prevent you from getting started and making progress and that leads to self-sabotage,
It's the biggest hurdle to overcome, especially when you're looking at making a lifestyle change and transitioning from an unfit life. If you have been wanting to make a change in your health and get fit let me share three common mindset shifts you need to make that are going to help get you on the right track
1. I'm So Unfit Already So What's The Point?
This is probably the biggest issue so let's eliminate this right away.
Everyone has to start somewhere and there is no shortage of success stories you can find online of people who were in the same position you have been. The secret is to start slow and not take on too much at once. Those who give up on fitness in most cases tried to go from nothing to two hours a day of working out right out of the gate. Taking on too much at once will only lead to you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.
Instead, start with some walks or hiking and slowly build up the time spent doing it. It doesn't have to be much, even 10-15 minutes is going to get you on the right track. You want to slowly add in a little extra each time until you're doing full hour hikes without even realizing it. You can even do short periods of yoga from DVDs or YouTube videos and work your way up to the point you're ready to join a local class.
2. I Don't Have The Willpower To Stick With It
Yes, you do.
You'll be amazed how much willpower and determination you really have in you. The secret again is to not take on too much at once to get comfortable and build your confidence. If you're hesitant about doing some strength training at a gym check with the trainers as every club should have orientation sessions to get you comfortable and teach you the basics.
Make goals for the week that are manageable and realistic such as doing a 20-minute walk three times a week followed by some stretching. When you realize that you can accomplish these goals your confidence continues to grow, you get more motivated and that's what develops willpower.
Think of willpower or discipline like a muscle itself, it needs to be used and exercised to become engaged and functional but then it starts to get stronger and stronger.
3. It's Going To Take So Long For Me To Get Fit
Fitness and health don't just happen overnight but you have no idea how quickly you might respond until you get going. I've seen some people start making some noticeable differences in their appearance in as little as two weeks and in even 6-8 weeks you can make some remarkable changes. This is a process and also a good time to get two words out of vocabulary and those are "quick fix."
The goal now is to focus on progress and not perfection and start to visualize yourself where you want to be, it might be running a 5k or a wedding that's upcoming. When you start to picture what you want in your mind and focus on that you'll be amazed how that can translate over into your real life.
You Can, You Will
Being human makes us never really happy with where we are at and we always want to be better than we are. Use that as motivation to push yourself in you pursuit of health and wellness. It's hard because we tend to never be satisfied and look at others with envy who are further along than we are. Remember, at whatever stage you are at there is someone wishing they were where you are at right now.
Start doing something today that your future self will thank you for.
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