Just Start

It starts with an intention

Then a practice

Then it becomes a routine

Then a habit

Then second nature

Then it becomes who you are

What you just read was a result of an organic conversation I had with a friend. We were discussing the process of making changes to our bodies when things may seem like they have slipped from our grasps, or feel as if they are already so far gone, it would be impossible to turn things around. But that, that right there, is the obstacle that holds most of us back. Change comes down to mind set and taking action. Pushing through periods of discomfort and making the hard choices. Holding yourself accountable and living a life you can hang your hat on.

You may be reading this thinking, “oh here’s another list of ambiguous self help ideas with no call to action.” Well don’t turn away now because this chapter is all about a call to action.

Some of you may be asking the question, or know someone else asking questions regarding body composition (lean mass, body fat, etc.), dietary concerns, mental health, or simply making healthier choices. The reality of these concepts is related to just that. CHOICES. Your thoughts, decisions, and actions form the DNA of your reality, of your literal physical being. Every move you make (or don’t make), thought you have, or action you take has consequences, good or bad.

Back to that conversation I mentioned; if you or someone you know is struggling with weight loss, increasing muscle mass, “tightening things up,” or whatever the goal may be, the first step down the road to a good life is being honest with yourself. Enough of the excuses, putting things off for tomorrow, or whatever it is that’s holding you back. Taking action starts NOW.

If you’re serious about what it is you say you want, then you have to be willing to do what everyone else is unwilling to do. The hard work. That means ditching the fast food, getting rid of alcohol, deleting the Netflix account, or any other vice that is getting in the way of your success.

The people on this planet that are absolutely winning in life aren’t distracted by these modern shortcomings. These so-called “comforts” that are the root cause of sickness, mental health issues, and the obstacle that’s in YOUR way. If you want to look and feel your very best you have to chip away every single day. How many days would you go without brushing your teeth? None, I hope. That’s how you have to treat the rest of your body.

Fit, happy, capable human beings work very hard for those qualities; and I can guarantee  they wake up with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

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‍Seneca once said,

“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.”

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It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not. We craft our spiritual, emotional, and physical strength through physical hardships; start accumulating small victories daily for long-term success. Keep chipping away.