January 6th, 204.5 lbs.
Ok, I'm a little over a week in and I have dropped 1 lb. Hurray for me.! I'm on my way. I have my gym bag packed and I am headed out the door. Now I know that this 1 lb, may not even be real., but I'll celebrate anyway. Take the little wins when you can.
If you are joining me for this journey., we are still in the start up phase.. You may be super motivated and ready to go. That is good! But remember. The goal right now is to begin to build habits. Take step one. Put on your shoes, and step outside. That is all. That is the goal. Now of course I'm not going to stop you from exercising, walking, yoga, etc. in fact, I encourage you to move. That said, don't try to lose all the weight in one day. Or get injured because you tried couch to 5k in one day. The goal is to come back tomorrow. So please go slow.
We will get into this and how important it is soon but today I want to talk about your "why".
Yes, that underlying purpose propelling you towards your fitness endeavors. The real reason you are reading this and the reason now is the time for change. In this post, we shall unravel the significance of identifying your why and its profound impact on your journey towards physical well-being.
Define Your Why:
Let us begin by looking at the importance of understanding your why. Imagine your why as the compass guiding your expedition through the vast terrain of fitness. Is it the pursuit of vitality, the quest for personal mastery, or the desire to cultivate resilience? By meticulously defining your why, you lay a sturdy foundation for your fitness voyage, ensuring that your actions are purposeful and aligned with your aspirations.
So I would like you to take a minute, grab a piece of paper and write down your "why". I'm not looking for an essay here. It could be five words or less. Don't over think it.
An example of what I would expect could be anything like the following:
Get fit
Run a 5k
Lose weight
Get ready for the wedding
Good Job. But now, I want to know why you want those things. I'm going to make you a little crazy with this exercise but it's important so stick with me.
Your answers could be:
Because my Dr gave me bad news
Because I always wanted to
Because my wife told me to
Because wedding pictures are forever
Got it. Good.
Now one more time. Why?
Because I want to live
Because I need to prove I can do it
Because I love my wife
Because I owe it to my daughter who means the world to me.
Now I won't make you keep digging but you will know when you found your true "why".
For me, I knew I reached the true "why" when I had a tear in my eye. I knew at that point that I had to change and I knew it had to be forever.
Keep a Reminder of Your “Why” in Your Ten Pound Bag:
Now, that we have it in mind, picture yourselves amidst the throes of a rigorous workout session. Fatigue sets in, doubt creeps up, and you find yourself questioning the rationale behind your exertions. Or you decide it's a little too cold today, I don't feel like it today, or I just don't want to. In such moments of tribulation, a gentle reminder of your why emerges as a beacon of hope. That push you need to remind you that this change will be permanent and worth it. Your "why" is yours alone. No one else needs to know.
Take it with you.
Consider storing a tangible token of your why—a written affirmation, a symbol of inspiration, or a photograph —in your bag. Or perhaps on the mirror in the bathroom. This practice serves as a steadfast reminder of your overarching purpose, fortifying your resolve during moments of adversity. For me, I have a picture of everything I need to live for in a magnetic frame that I place in my gym locker. I take it out of my bag everyday. After my workout I return it. A constant companion. To begin, place the reminder of your why in a place where you face the most adversity. It will nudge you when you need it most.
What Are You Willing to Trade for Your “Why”:
In the pursuit of fitness and nutrition excellence, sacrifices are inevitable. Contemplate the trade-offs you are willing to make in service of your why. Will you forego idle leisure for productive workouts? Will you opt for nutrient-rich sustenance over indulgent temptations? By discerning the concessions aligned with your why, you demonstrate unwavering commitment to your fitness journey, prioritizing long-term wellness over transient gratification. For me it's a trade of the last hour of the day for the first hour. I will give up the a worthless hour of TV in order to get up an hour earlier and have my time to workout. That is my time. And I protect it with a brutal attitude.
Are You Someone Else’s “Why”:
Beyond the confines of personal ambition lies the realm of communal influence. Reflect upon the possibility that your fitness endeavors may serve as a source of inspiration for others. Whether you are a beacon of motivation for family members, friends, or acquaintances, recognize the profound impact of your actions on the broader community. Embrace the responsibility of being someone else’s why, as it fosters a sense of interconnectedness and collective growth.
My wife is on her own health journey. I may be only a part of her "why" but I take my responsibility seriously. She sees the changes I've made and the results produced. I hope that my journey in some small way has helped hers succeed.
Your “Why” Is Bigger Than You:
Let us broaden our perspective and acknowledge the expansive scope of our why. Your fitness journey transcends individual aspirations, extending its reach to encompass broader societal implications. Consider the ripple effect of your actions on societal norms, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of holistic well-being. I know this is a stretch, but embrace the notion that your why serves as a catalyst for positive change, propelling you towards a noble pursuit that transcends personal gratification.
So finally, the process of defining your why in the realm of fitness is not merely an academic exercise but a transformative endeavor of profound significance. As you navigate the intricacies of your fitness journey, let your why serve as a guiding principle, illuminating the path towards sustained growth and fulfillment. By anchoring your actions in a clear sense of purpose, you empower yourself to transcend obstacles, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to the collective pursuit of wellness. Remember, your why is not merely a destination but a guiding star, guiding you towards a life of vitality, purpose, and enduring fulfillment.
So now you are armed with your bag and your why. Let's not forget why we are here. This week continue to just move. Get outside if you can and take a few steps. Go to the gym consistently. Again, you don't even have to workout. Just go.
I'm my next update we will discuss how this all leads back to health.
See you then
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