1/04/2012

Reality Check

Via Charlotte Quillen

"This is a reality check that everyone needs to accept, yet few ever mention. Changing your body, losing weight, gaining muscle, quitting smoking—every goal you desire will be difficult to achieve. At some point, you’re going to hit a bump in the road, be confronted with a challenge, and begin to doubt your ability to make real, lasting change.

When that happens, don’t ignore your frustration. That’s the first step towards failure. Instead, acknowledge your anger. Channel your frustration and ask yourself one simple question: HOW BADLY DO I WANT THIS?

When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe that’s when you’ll achieve your goals.

This isn’t about six-pack dreams, running a marathon, or building bigger biceps. Those are all great goals that are achievable by anyone. I don’t care how far your journey might appear. I know you can make a change. And if you have any doubts, read the stories of those who are just like you. I’m inspired by these people because they do the impossible. And now it’s our job to eliminate doubt and apathy so that you can join in on the success.

This is a gut-check. Or: Pulse Moments.

Check your pulse and determine if you’re ready for your own challenge.

Are you willing to scratch, and claw and fight for your health? Are you willing to push harder, make yourself a little uncomfortable, and make the adjustments you need to succeed?

Change is hard, and I understand every ounce of hurt you feel when it seems like you can’t lose weight, you can’t eliminate pain, or you can’t become the version of yourself that you so desperately desire. And I give plenty of credit to anyone who takes the first step, looks in the mirror, and says, “I want to be better.”

But that’s just the beginning. You need to remind yourself that this will be a battle. And that the battle should be fun. Make no mistake about it: Becoming healthy will make you smile more, laugh more, and feel better than you could ever imagine. It’s worth every drop of effort you put into it. But making the transition from your current situation to the one you want takes time and includes struggles. It will be difficult, it will inevitably frustrate you, and you have to expect what’s waiting on your journey.

Approach this year’s goals with your eyes wide open. Have hope. Be an optimist. And believe that ANYTHING is possible. And then tell yourself that when you get knocked down, you will pick yourself back up.

Every. Single. Time.

Do it for your family. Do it for your friends. Do it for the people you love. And most importantly: Do it for you.

Once you achieve that mindset, the rest is comparatively easy. Yes—you need to find great information and adapt it to your situation. (You can do this at www.fitnesspoynters.com)

Your job should be limited to one single focus: Take ACTION and don’t stop until you achieve your goals.

We want to make 2012 the year of success. This is the year where you become UNSTOPPABLE. But change doesn’t start with making a list of resolutions, finding a great workout, or finally settling on a diet.

It begins with a hard look in the mirror and a determination that your health is worth fighting for. It’s time to unleash the limitless potential of YOU. Take the first step, don’t accept failure as an option, and you’ll remember 2012 as the year when uncovered your best. "