In my 66 years one thing I have learned is that before you ask for or get more of something, you have to learn to take very good care of what you already have. Whether it be your job, money, your home or your health and fitness, you have to be a very good steward of what already exists. It’s great to strive for better in every area of your life. You set goals, make a step-by-step plan, and work toward it everyday. We all wish we had more money, but we’re not going to be trusted with it until we learn to manage the little we have now, effectively. Without goals, a plan, and steps, it remains just that – a wish.
In fitness, you need to start with the body you have. Bring it into the gym and let’s sit down, set a goal and make a plan to change it, but let’s not focus completely on that goal. I’m sure you heard of the expression “keep your eye on the prize.” Well, it’s sort of like a side-eye – the goal exists on the sideline, but what you need to do today sits front and center. You have 30 pounds to lose. You need to stop snacking at night. You need more exercise. You have a body that aches and doesn’t move well. You need a plan. That is where your focus each day needs to be.
Start by taking care of the body you have now, today, this very minute. Just the fact that you can still walk it into the gym is a victory. You CAN walk 5-15 minutes on the treadmill. Yay!! You CAN do modified movements in your small group training class. Kudos to you! You CAN adopt a plan to cook and eat healthy food. Way to go! You CAN take care of the body you have today, while keeping your side-eye on that goal.
And so, as another day goes by, let’s focus on what we already have and take really good care of it – today. If you do this, it will morph and change into something even better in the future.
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