The perfect moment may be making you fat
What is it with the human race and the ability to let the pursuit of perfection completely stop them from doing or accomplishing anything? This may seem like a strange comment at face value, but in my experience people avoid challenges and hard work, because they are consumed with being perfect and the fear of failure in the pursuit of their goals stops them from starting anything. A great example of this, is starting an exercise or weight loss program. The vast majority of people never actually get started, or they start with a plan that is far too difficult to maintain and within 4 weeks they have given up. In my line of work, I constantly hear I want to lose weight and get in shape but:
- Work is too busy
- Who will watch the kids
- I can’t afford to pay for training
- I can’t find the time
- I’ll start next week
- When I can find a workout partner or get my spouse to get on board
- When my doctor clears me to get started
- After the holidays
- When I feel less awkward in the gym
- When I find the perfect workout routine
The truth about the perfect moment
To avoid living a life full of regrets and wasted “perfect” moments, start exactly where you are. There is no time or place like the present time and place. If you are looking to lose weight, don’t wait to start until your fridge is fully stocked with healthy meals, or until you have a full hour to dedicate to the gym, or until your family is fully supportive of your choices. Start right now, start in this moment, in this situation. There is no perfect time, there never will be.
One of my favorite quotes is from, Krista Scott Dixon. “Oh sure, there might be some magic moment in your fitness journey where the universe comes together… and you’re wearing your favorite t-shirt… plus your extra-comfy sneakers… and that song you love comes on your iPod… and your body is full of exuberant, bubbling energy…and your favorite piece of gym equipment is free (in fact the gym is empty today, hooray!)… and you bang out a set of ten reps like the angels are hoisting the barbell for you.” Realistically all of these moments won’t just happen.
“like the angels are hoisting the barbell for you”
How to create the perfect moment
You must fight to create your own moments, to steal moments out of the endless list of task in your day. You may never find a perfect moment, but maybe you have 20 minutes. Use those 20 minutes to do something proactive and take action towards your goal. This could be a step towards your career goals, family goals, financial goals, or anything you would like to accomplish. Create a moment and take action. Make that phone call you’ve been avoiding, have that tough conversation, write someone a thank you note, go run a mile, or see how many push-ups you can do in 5 minutes. The list is endless for things you could do, just do something!
Need help with motivation?
Constantly putting your goals off until tomorrow will prevent you from ever arriving at your destination. Make a commitment to start right now and then simply build upon that action. If you are looking for motivation to help get started, contact Wilmington Performance Lab to help you create a plan and continue to follow it.
About the Author
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Chris McAbee, Co-owner
Today I realize that I am no longer in the fitness business, but I am in the possibility business. I challenge people to question themselves and their limits, with the goal to always exceed their expectations. I challenge them to push beyond their limits and their comfort zone to achieve feats of strength and endurance that they always thought were impossible. In removing those beliefs and limitations, people begin to realize that there are other areas of life they have been holding back, there is greatness in all of us, and it is my job to help everyone realize that greatness. Once that is unlocked, they realize that nothing in life is impossible![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
