One problem I often run into with coaching is trying to create a new world for clients to see what is on the other side of hard work and discipline. It’s almost like we have this disconnect between what we think, what we believe, and what we know is true. Let's face it, we all doubt. We all have fear. But I wonder how many of us have ever stopped to ask ourselves: what are we really afraid of?
The irony is that individuals come to our small group training facility located in Garden City, Idaho, to find the missing piece. Perhaps it's the accountability, maybe it’s the community. Whether it’s personal training, nutrition coaching, or group training, we offer the support you need but we also know it’s so much more than the menu that our industry pushes.
In life, whether you have it all together or you are faking it until you make it, there still has to be an intention to check your pulse, not your pulse- pulse. But where are you? What’s coming up over and over again? The desire to quit usually isn’t about how easy it is but comes when you feel lost, hopeless, misunderstood, or weak. Sometimes this happens because we don’t check in with ourselves and it becomes too big, in an instant we remember that stupid voice that said “why even try”. Throw in the weight of your past failures and now we have an even bigger monster!
The thing I have realized in life is that nothing worthwhile comes easy. And our brain, our chemistry does not want or like to do things that require “hard”. You see when we want to quit it rarely has anything to do with how easy it is. It never comes down to how you're just crushing it.
You're tired, sore and still not eating whole foods.
You feel hopeless.
You feel misunderstood.
You feel weak.
You have crazy expectations that aren’t met.
You feel embarrassed.
The booze is creeping still.
You only made it to train twice this week..
Did you expect trumpets and confetti to blast because you woke up on time?
Did you expect the food to cook itself?
Did you expect your co-workers to not eat junk food in front of you?
Did you expect to lift 225 lbs on your front squat the first time?
While we all wish we'd drop 40 lbs in 2 weeks, our neighbors to bring us salads and to beat David Goggins in a footrace- it's just not realistic.
But look, you don’t have to be stuck anymore. That way is the old way. The new way is right now, as you read this. You can acknowledge that you have some deep wounds, limiting beliefs, and poor habits that all of which you own. It’s your responsibility and you can make changes in your life. And we are all afforded those decisions and chances each day to steer our boat (life) in a new direction.
What’s the worst thing that could happen if you actually tried to make some lifestyle changes? Only good things can happen. Sure, you're going to let yourself down sometimes; it’s called learning. Change the fear of failure into a season of learning. Get excited about improving. Take notes. Find a good podcast that specializes in this area. Redefine your fear into a space of grace and learning.
Get curious about what you tell yourself when things are hard, when you’re stressed, when you make a mistake. Are you supporting yourself, or are you tearing yourself apart? If you are, that’s a good indicator there’s a lot to learn and practice here. Try keeping a small notepad handy or use your phone and record yourself- play that back do you still believe it? Sounds fishy- right?! Whenever you have a negative thought, write it down. Reflecting on what’s in the journal may help you recognize the most common self-limiting beliefs to work on.
Sometimes, when we feel like quitting, it’s simply about staying in the game. Someone said you don’t lose if you don’t quit. At Motivate Fitness, we are passionate about creating a safe space for growth where people can learn and progress far beyond the scale. We believe the power we have together is stronger than the power we have alone. So, get a battle buddy. Ask questions to coaches and members alike. People care. Let them help.
Look. You are not your past, your fear doesn’t actually need to define you, and just because it’s not coming easily doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. There’s more to this than just counting macros, getting to the gym, and checking the scale. If it were that easy, we’d all be fit. But one thing I know for sure you is:
You have everything you need right now to overcome anything this life throws at you.
Keep going. I’m in it with you.
Coach Jr
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