Motivation
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The definition of consistent: marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity. Free from variation or contradiction.
You work out hard. You walk miles and miles. You make good food choices. But if you don't do it consistently, you probably will not see results.
We all tend to have a similar approach to fitness. We get jazzed up for Monday. We "are good" for a few days, then by Thursday or Friday we are back to our bad habits. We have fun with those bad habits for the weekend, then berate ourselves into starting all over again on Monday.
What I see with this repeating cycle is that over time, it is very destructive. It is most definitely not marked by harmony or peace of mind. There is a battle going on. One part of me wants to work out consistently, eat clean and enjoy optimal fitness and health. The other part of me wants to eat a giant bowl of vanilla ice cream with Hershey's syrup and whipped cream every night and not care about the consequences.
The problem is that, for me, the consequences became very real. I was being fitted for a dress for my sister's wedding and measured a size 18. Did you know they charge extra for excess material over size 18? I learned that. I also learned that it was no fun to shop when I was overweight. And I didn't have much self confidence. I turned down invitations to things because I didn't feel good enough about myself.
Turning that around was not easy. I had developed lots of bad habits and false beliefs about food and fitness. I had excuse after excuse about why I wasn't at a healthy weight. I have the image in my mind of a giant ship going full steam ahead and then trying to do a U-turn. That's how it felt to get consistent with exercise and eating healthier.
But it is possible. I believe we are all capable of making those changes if the reason is important enough. This is really hard work. It takes time. It requires sweat and sometimes tears. Losing weight was never enough of a reason for me to consistently make better choices. I had to come to the point where I was so sick of feeling bad about myself. I couldn't stand the battle anymore, I wanted harmony.
I know there are a million reasons not to walk or lift today. There are as many reasons to eat a giant ice cream sundae or to order a pizza. There may be only one reason to take the time to go to the grocery store, stock up on healthy foods, cook a fabulous dinner, lace up your shoes and go for a walk. But that one reason, if it means enough to you, is the only thing that will get you to choose what's best for you. Remember, you are worth it.
Now get moving!
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