What up Fit Fam,
I was reading today and came across an article that I thought was very valuable. The title was called “That fit person who has got it all together doesn’t”
It was about how we all go through trials and tribulations in our lives no matter what we see on the outside. We see a fit and healthy looking person and we assume they “have it all together” and that they flow through this world with ease and everything in their lives is perfect — But in all reality we all go though ups and downs.
They compared this to Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt) from fight club. To a male who wants to be ripped and in phenomenal shape, this was it. This guy gets romance, adventure, kicks ass in life, and rides off into the sunset with rippling abs. He seems to not have a care in the world and is the epitome of badass.
For women this any actress who looks great on camera or in a magazine 🙂 You know, the girl who clearly works out, drinks kale smoothies everyday, and is a neurosurgeon… or a diplomat… or a ripped stay at home mom with 4 kids and a tight stomach.
Unfortunately these badass individuals with perfect do not exist. The truth is, we are all imperfect, we all go through tough times, we are messy, we have hopes and fears and neuroses and jobs and toilets that need unclogging and wrinkles and alarms that go off too early in the morning.
Just like you.
Just like me.
Just like all of us.
Stop worrying about not being “fit enough” or “smart enough” or “getting enough done” or “being a good enough mom/dad/worker/snugglepuppy”.
Don’t worry about trying to be perfect and remember to make realistic goals and have a game plan associated with those goals.
Here are some tips to help you out along the way:
1. Re-evaluate your expectations – Getting into pretty good shape is actually pretty simple. All you need are small consistent changes that are built upon week after week and month after month. Often I see people trying to bite off more than they can chew – which always results in little to no results and lack of happiness. You dont need to meal prep every single meal of the week, you dont need to workout eeeeveryday to see results, you dont need the stars aligned to lose fat. Focus on the small things like being consistent in boot camp for 3 days a week, eating a healthy lunch everyday, walking the dog after dinner etc. These are all good habits which will yield results. Just be consistent.
2. Embrace obstacles – Everyone faces roadblocks, you just might not see it. We all have past injuries, struggled with mental and emotional health at some point, gained weight or have been scrawny, and have gone weeks or months without working out.
No matter what challenge you face, I guarantee someone in our program has gone through something similar. What you do when faced with that challenge is up to you, and let me tell you, we aren’t getting any younger, so you might as well tackle the issue at hand.
3. Recognize and accept your imperfections and move on – It is OK to not be OK. Sometimes we are tired, feel like we need a alcoholic drink, have some muscle pain, struggle with personal and work issues, and guess what….that is OK! That is life. Step into that discomfort, let things be messy sometimes, you are human 🙂 That is normal. You are not weird or alone. The trick is to be OK with imperfections and work on making things just a little better than they are.
4. Take pride in small progress – Nobody sees you at 5am working out and kicking ass (unless you are a part of the awesome new 5am crew) Be proud of your dedication to working out. Nobody sees you picking out greens and lean protein at the grocery store. Be proud of passing the nutella and oreos that once called your name. Nobody sees the inside of your brain when you make the “right choice” in a situation when you dont have to make the right choice. Be proud of yourself in sticking to your values.
5. Find out what you need to work on and make a plan of action – Maybe you have trouble cooking, so find a friend who like to cook and have a Sunday meal prep day. If you have trouble finding time to fit things in your schedule then maybe getting out a calendar and scheduling activities will help you out. If you are having a hard time sticking to the habits you are working on, set alarms or post it notes for reminders. Find your obstacles and work around them.
Word?
if you need anything from me this week, please let me know and we can sit down and make a plan for you.
ROCK ON and I will see you in session!
Your trainer,
Jon
