During my long run last Saturday, I spent some time thinking about clients, friends, family members, and acquaintances. And what occurred to me is that regardless of relationship, most everyone tells a similar story in regards to health and fitness; everyone wants to look and feel their best. But what's interesting is how different people go about accomplishing what's important to them.
In my experience, most everyone who has reached and/or is in the process of accomplishing a health and fitness goal has internalized the process. These people start with goals such as:
> I've never run 3.1 miles (5K), or 6.2 miles (10K), or 13.1 miles (half-marathon) or 26.2 miles (marathon) and I'd like to. So I'm going to train hard and push myself to accomplish this.
> I'm overweight. I'm unhappy with my appearance and I'm tired of not having energy and enough is enough. Losing weight is important to me and I'm taking it upon myself to make a change and it starts and stops with me.
> My Doctor has informed me that I'm at risk for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, breast cancer, colon cancer and/or osteoarthritis. I understand that being overweight is a key contributor to these diseases and I'm ready to take a stand. I'm responsible for turning my health around.
Consistently exercising and eating proper nutrition takes commitment, dedication, discipline and hard work, and an undertaking of this magnitude starts and stops with YOU! With exercise, you're going to sweat, your muscles are going to get sore, and there will be times when you have to say no to other engagements. And with proper nutrition, you're going to have to change. At times you'll have to say "no" to what you like and "yes" to what you don't. You'll have to do some research and planning, and you might be forced to count calories (trust me, it works!). But if you start the process right by internalizing your goals, anything is possible!
Keys to Internalizing Your Goals:
First, ask yourself, "What am I setting out to accomplish?" and be sure to include a specific and measurable component (i.e. to lower my blood pressure to this number by this date, to lose this number of pounds by this date, or to run this many miles by this date).
Then, ask yourself, "Why am I doing this? How important is this to me? And, if I don't accomplish this goal, what are the consequences?
And lastly, surround yourself with a support group. Tell those people closest to you what you're trying to accomplish and ask them for their support. You never know, you might inspire them to take positive actions themselves!
I wish everyone the best of luck as they set out to conquer their next goals! And as always, please don't hesitate to email me with questions or comments!
Best Regards,
Jake
jakedewalt@endurancepersonaltraining.com
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