I want to start going to the gym. Maybe one day. I want to learn how to do this thing (for me, it was photography). Maybe one day. I want to create a healthier lifestyle. Maybe another day. These were thoughts all too familiar to me, crossing my mind frequently. There were so many things that I wanted to start doing, but I could never muster up the courage to begin. I would make numerous excuses—no time, no money, no one to go with, etc. I spent a lot of time researching and reflecting on this dilemma, which allowed me to dig deeper into the real issue. I learned several lessons which halted this endless cycle of pushing my goals to the back burner.
1. try Starting with something small
Never underestimate the value in small wins. For example, if your goal is to consistently go to the gym, your first goal may be to just drive to the gym. If you successfully complete the milestone, congratulate yourself! Your next step could then be to actually go into the gym, without requiring yourself to workout. This can help your body to familiarize itself with this new routine and will gradually help you to your ultimate goal of working out several times a week.
2. The only one stopping you is yourself, no one else
Point. Blank. Period. Any excuse can be worked around if enough thought is put into it. For example, “Oh, I just feel like I never have the time to try something new.” Ok then, wake up earlier. “Well, if I wake up earlier, I’ll feel tired.” Then go to bed earlier. If several solutions are offered to you, but you still want to combat the excuse with another excuse, maybe you’re the problem (and that’s the brutal, honest truth that no one wants to hear). When I learned this, it opened my eyes to reality–that I just did not want to do it.
3. you will never be motivated
I’ll do it when I’m motivated. The problem with this mindset I had was that garnering motivation was super difficult for me because my body was so used to its habits. I enjoy comfort and the feeling of familiarity, so any changes that I tried to make to my life patterns was not welcomed lightly. When I would wait for the perfect moment where I would want to get up out of bed and go to the gym, for example, it would never come. Instead, I had to learn (and I’m still learning) the art of discipline—doing activities that I did not want to do consistently, but I knew it would be worth it in the long run. Another perspective that helped me when I was battling with this is that (for example, with the gym) I would never regret going to the gym, but I would always regret not going. This was a huge game changer and I still remind myself of this when embarking on new tasks.
For some, the struggles I dealt with are something you can relate to. I hope the lessons I learned can help you on your own journey to bettering yourself. And if you ever need someone to talk to about this or anything else, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email: osotioch@ncsu.edu!