PERSEVERANCE
“With each Finish Line, there’s a New Beginning”

September 7, 2011

Everything has a beginning, middle and an end. It’s fun to start a new fitness program! Spirits are high; we have lots of energy about what we’re doing and where we’re going. But somewhere in the MIDDLE…that energy can fade. It becomes more of a challenge to keep our enthusiasm alive.

Having a plan already in place is key when making it through to the end. When the going gets tough is when it’s great to have your Personal Trainer confirm you are right where you need to be and you’re doing all the right things. Reviewing what is motivating you to continue on your path to better wellness can be helpful. Remembering a past experience of success is a good place for your thoughts to be. Sometimes, just a reminder of how far you’ve come can build confidence that carries you to the next corner turned in your progress.

It’s not easy, but as progress is being made (sometimes later than sooner) your newer, better version of yourself emerges. In this sense, you’ve made it! Sometimes a smaller goal is what’s in order to create an accomplishment so we can press forward quicker into that next mini-goal. Breaking your plan down into small segments of time makes larger goals manageable. For example, what can you accomplish by the end of this week? One pound less? Perfect portion-control for one single day…just to start? One extra workout? Tracking your progress is always recommended (by me). That way, when an obstacle appears, you’ll have documentation to reflect on. You’ve left written clues for yourself!

And Beyond: A new beginning! Now that you’ve made it to the finish line, that new weight on the scale, lower body fat percentage, 10th pull up, new way of practicing great nutrition, new posture, new swim suit, new functional strength, faster mile, etc…ask yourself, “Where am I headed next? What is my new goal? How will I get there? What is the desired result?”

By gaining experience and knowing what it feels like to persevere and practice courage, endurance and persistence through the difficult parts of our journey, we open ourselves to new possibilities in our future. Things we could NEVER have imagined! Remember to create a specific plan, begin with the end in mind, celebrate your mini-successes and push forward to the next challenge. A new beginning, middle and end!