Getting into better shape does not have to be an impossible task!

Getting into better shape does not have to be an impossible task if you set your mind to it.  In fact, success is usually determined simply by your approach to a given challenge.  If you do not have enough will power or self-esteem to keep going in the face of adversity, you will likely never achieve the fitness goals you strive to obtain.  It is time to stop coming up with reasons why getting fit is impossible for you.  You may have given it a try a thousand times to no avail, but there is a first time for everything and trying isn’t always enough!

In the wise words of Yoda, “Do, or do not.  There is no try.”

When people “try” something they’re generally already in the mindset of it not working; they’ve got their out – “I tried, but it just didn’t work for me.”  REALLY?!

Everyone who sets out to exercise, eat right and focus on fitness faces his or her own set of unique challenges.  However, we all also deal with many of the same obstacles that, with a little focus, can be easily overcome!

As a fitness professional with 13 years of experience, I’ve heard just about every EXCUSE in the book of why someone couldn’t make it to a workout or why they “had to” eat bad over the weekend:

• Scheduling conflicts
• Injury
• Ridicule (friends don’t support your new healthy habit)
• Fear of working out alone
• Fear of looking stupid
• Lack (prioritization) of funds
• Birthday, Anniversary, Holidays, and all the other “special occasions” you’ll find each week on the calendar
• And the list goes on and on…

All of these challenges can be easily overcome if you set your mind in the direction of success and plan for the difficulties ahead.  It’s starts with the decision and the mentality – “Do, or do not.  There is no try.” 

It will be quite a bit more difficult for you to “do” instead of “try” if you are surrounded by people who do not believe in your goals the same way you do.  Being immersed in negativity is harmful to your mindset as well as your overall health.  In fact, too much stress can actually cause you to gain more weight!

Do yourself a favor and hire a fitness professional and surround yourself with other people who are DOING fitness also.  When you surround yourself with like-minded people who want to see you succeed you’ll have way more fun and accomplish a whole lot more than you could on your own!

There really is a power within you (and all around you) that you can tap into to achieve your goals.  This power is magnified when you make a firm decision to DO something.

When the going gets tough, that’s when the tough is supposed to get going.  Writing yourself notes, joining a support group, creating vision boards, meditating on your ideal outcome, and teaming up with a professional are all wonderful ways to boost your confidence and get your feet set in the right direction.

When the smoke clears you will see that NOW is the time for you to stop making silly excuses about why you just cannot get into better shape. Begin formulating plans for your fit future by being proactive about your goals and realistic about your inevitable challenges.  In order for you to achieve that ideal fitness level you have always dreamed of you are going to have to stop trying and start doing.  Like Yoda said, “Do, or do not.  There is no try.”