Trust the Process

Lately I’ve been struggling with frustration—I feel like I’m stuck, like I’m making no progress, like I’m actually going backwards in some areas instead of forwards.  I’ve been in the nutrition/fitness game long enough to know that results take time, but that doesn’t stop me from irrationally wanting them right now—and getting frustrated when I don’t get what I want.  We are a society of instant gratification, after all. 

Luckily, the universe seemed to know exactly what I needed. Both my inbox and Facebook feed have been flooded with posts about trusting the process, results taking time, etc. One trainer that I follow via email and Facebook (and hope to work with some day), Allison Moyer, sent out an email this morning stating that direction is more important than speed.  “Training + Nutrition + TIME = GOAL.”  Real results take real time—not one week, not two weeks, maybe not even six weeks. You can’t expect to get rid of weeks, months, or maybe even years of bad habits in a short period of time. You must stay focused, stay dedicated, and continue making baby steps towards your long term goals. As she put it, “Direction is more important than speed.”  So very true!

My trainer at Over-Achieve Fitness sent out an email this morning with the following quote: “If we just keep taking positive steps toward our goal (and refuse to be discouraged if these steps don’t produce immediate success), eventually the law of numbers will start working in our favor, and the outcome will be success." – Nick Murray” That was EXACTLY what I needed to read today. I cannot—I WILL NOT—let myself become discouraged.  No, I haven’t seen immediate success.   But that’s okay. I am making little bits of progress here and there—I’m starting to build some upper body strength/definition. My aerobic conditioning has improved.  I’m feeling more confident in my abilities.  Nothing huge or groundbreaking, but progress nonetheless. 

So, starting right now I will relax. I will quit analyzing my body.  I will work hard, train hard, and trust that I will get where I want to go.

The Power of Positivity

Isn't it amazing how one negative comment can completely unravel you?  I was talking with my sister in law recently and she was telling me about how one of her best friends called her obsessed and told her she needs to just give up the whole diet/working out thing already.  She was absolutely crushed—she said she almost cried on the spot.  Luckily, she wants it bad enough and is strong enough in her own mind that she was able to put it aside and keep on truckin’.  But a year ago, that may have been enough to make her quit.  One simple statement could have completely stopped all of the hard work and progress she’s made. 

It is so incredibly important to surround yourself with positive, uplifting people—both in person and online. I've recently started unfollowing/unfriending people on Facebook and Twitter who are nothing but sources of stress and negativity.  Instead, my feed is filled with supportive friends and family and people in the fitness world.  Every day I can log onto social media and seek support and inspiration instead of negativity and its done wonders for my own attitude and outlook.  When I’m surrounded by positivity, it’s easier to be kinder to myself and others. It’s also easier to cheer others on and lift them up.  I’m genuinely happy for the success of others—it’s no longer a threat or a competition.  The only person I’m in competition with or strive to be better than is myself as I am today.

You have to believe you can do it, whatever “it” is.  You have to believe that you can run that distance, lift that weight, nail that public speaking engagement, land that job or promotion. You have to believe it, visualize it, and want it so bad that you can taste it. Only then will it happen! It may not happen right away…but it’ll happen.  One day you’ll wake up and see that all of those tiny steps, all of those struggles and hiccups and yes even failures, led to one giant, terrific, fantastic result!

Smile. Stay focused. Love yourself.  Cheer yourself on. Cheer others on.  You've got this!

“Strength doesn't come from what you CAN do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you COULDN'T.”  ~Unknown