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 willpower or self-esteem to keep going in the face of adversity, you will likely never achieve that ideal physique. 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?!
Plan Ahead and Prepare… You Must
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 over 25 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 poorly 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 starts with the decision and the mentality: “Do, or do not. There is no try.”
Like-Minded Companions You Should Seek
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 steeped 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.
May the Force Be With You
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 physique 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.”
QUOTE CORNER
Turkey and Quinoa Meatloaf
(Serves 5)
1/4 cup quinoa
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, chopped
1 (20 ounce) package ground turkey
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon water
Directions:
Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute; remove from heat to cool.
Stir the turkey, cooked quinoa, onions, tomato paste, hot sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. The mixture will be very moist. Shape into a loaf on a foil lined baking sheet. Combine the brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire, and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl. Rub the paste over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 50 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Let the meatloaf cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cook: 50 min
Ready: 1hr 20 min
Sodium 968 mg
Recipe from AllRecipes.com.