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Newsletters>
How to Finish Your Fitness Commitment
June 20, 2008
By Rob Strickland
Certified Personal Trainer
Soul Personal Training
Every year many of us embark on yet another quest to get in shape. Yes, the soul is willing, yet the flesh can be so weak sometimes. Thousands will start with good intentions and sadly, few will finish. This year, why not be one of the few.
Getting in shape begins with a decision to do so. Then, action. Fitness only is, as fitness does. Make a commitment to it. Then do it.
Commitment. That word gets thrown around so much it at times seems meaningless. In fact, it means everything. Commitment means doing whatever it takes to reach your goal, refusing to except any state of trying, only that of doing. So, how exactly does one commit?
First, define what you want. It sounds simple, but the most important part of getting what you want is knowing what you want. Further, in order to avoid living a perpetually frustrating life, know this: if what you have been doing in the past has not produced the results you want, you have two choices. You can change what you want, or change what you do. Those are the only options that free you from frustration. Simple huh?
After you define what you want, make a plan, even a road map to get there. If you are not sure how to plan it, hire a certified trainer to help you. Knowing you’re on the right path to your goal gives you more confidence and enhances your commitment. Be sure! It’s well worth the money. And once you have your plan, do it. There is no in between, no almost, nor just about. In each and every moment of your day you are either doing your plan or not. The second you notice yourself doing something inconsistent with your plan, immediately stop and get back on track.
Make sure your plan includes a specific time frame. It’s amazing how much more successful we are when we commit to reach a goal by a specific date. And in order to finish well, it is critical to have a specific “beginning”. You must define your starting line. At that point, take “before” pictures, and measure weight, body fat, size, blood pressure, resting heart rate, and other health parameters. At milestones along the way, and at the finish, you will take “after” photos and body measurements again. Now you’ve started something! And it’s motivating to know there is a finish line!
While working your plan, put yourself at stake. Make yourself accountable to someone. Anyone. Everyone! Again, here is where hiring a certified trainer can enhance your commitment. It is crucial, and even more motivating to make your goal public. Post it everywhere. Tell everybody. Because a promise made in secret is too easily broken. When people know what you’re committed to doing, you’ll see them rally behind you. If they don’t support you, well there’s another benefit; now you know who your friends are.
With a defined goal, a good plan and a public commitment, you will finish strong with phenomenal results. Being committed is challenging, yet the fruits are truly rewarding! You can be sure, after reaching a worthy fitness goal, your mental, spiritual, and physical fitness will be positively and permanently altered.
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