So here is a question I’ve got for you, why is so easy for some people to not try? Whether it be about health & fitness, financial goals, or maybe a personal goal to go back and get those few classes to complete that college degree. Why is it that some of us will never pursue those dreams or aspirations & some of us will? Why is so easy for some of us to give up on our opportunity to succeed?
Is it because of your childhood that you never had those opportunities where you grew up? Is it because of the high school you attended and the teaches that were teaching you? Or Is it because you have tried, tried, and tried again that every time you take one step forward that you end up taking two steps back?
I mean why is it certain people continue to get up and bust their behind to get things accomplish why the rest sit back and hope that something will just flop in their laps? Or is it simply fear of what could happen? Fear is a weird thing. For some, it can propel us to new heights because of how our past experiences have treated us. For others, it can hold us captive not allowing us to expand our thinking on how we could change our situation.
Here’s one comment I heard a lot of, “If God wanted me to have it, then he would have given it to me. I’m sorry but God gave us trees and we made things like boats, spears, horse carriages, and built homes.
I honestly believe that for most people it is actually not about failing at all because most of us have already failed at a handful of things already. Maybe you came up short being the great parent of the year but I’m sure you kids still love you the same. Maybe you wasn’t able to save money last year like you truly wanted to but you still found a way to take your family on that summer vacation. Maybe you said or did some hurtful things to your spouse but you both still have been able to figure it out over the years. Have you ever got up in the morning thinking, did someone feed the dog last night? I bet he still comes up to you wagging his tail ready for some attention. (Hungry. . . but still want some attention)
Or maybe you have had so many moments of negativity in your life that you really don’t give positive thoughts an opportunity anymore. I’ve tried but I can’t lose weight. I don’t have time to go back to college. I don’t know anything about starting a business. And you never will this sort of an attitude!
Maybe, it just a fear of actually succeeding at something. So, instead of thinking that, “Hey, I might have a chance at this.” Your thoughts are like:
What if actually tried being a bit more positive?
What if I try and fail only to end up disappointing myself again?
What if I work really hard and nothing changes?
What if I do start changing and people around me begin to judge me?
Any of these sound familiar?
When I had this idea of encouraging busy parents like myself to get back in shape and to start having a healthier lifestyle, my first thought was I’m no personal trainer or dietician. I don’t know all the ends and outs of this fitness and health industry.
I’m not some physique model guru posting pictures on Instagram. Nope, I just some ball-headed guy that was well over 300lbs who is a dad, a husband, a coach, & a neighbor that figured out how to lose the weight without any gimmicks, pills, or potions, and keep it off. I wanted to help a few people do the same thing. So I figured if I can help at least one person to get back up to give it another try and keep pushing until they reach their goal then I accomplished exactly what I set out to do.
Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Yes, if you don’t at least try you will never get to your goal. I would rather have tried and failed instead not trying at all. Look, life is gonna get in the way from time to time and things are not gonna always work out right but that’s no excuse for not trying.
Have you let this mindset keep you from opportunities to take things to the next level? If so, let’s re-frame your “what ifs”.
What if NOW is the best time to get started?
What if I learn a different strategy that fit my personal schedule?
What if someone hold me accountable to my goals and dreams?
What if I just took it one day at a time?
What if I didn’t give up?
What would that look like?
Any of this sounds familiar?
Ok, I get it. You are tired and life dealt you a bad hand. But if you give up on your dreams what are you saying to your kids? You may be telling your kids that “You can be whatever you want to be in life.” But, when your kids look at you and ask “Hey Mom/Dad, what did you want be when you were growing up?” What’s your answer to them because ultimately it not what you are saying is going be that golden nugget that they will remember 10 or 15 years later but what you are doing day end & day out is what you are really saying.
I heard someone say that the greatest ideas, inventions, and discoveries in the world are in the graveyard because these people died with people never really living up to their full potential. These are hope and aspirations that were never followed through with.
Don’t let fear hold you back. If you have something that you really would like to accomplish, then start down the path of achieving it. Start with those baby steps to get there. It may take you six months. It may take you a year, but time is going to pass by anyway so you might as well be working towards something in the mean time. The only difference between you and person that has already reached their goal is that they didn’t give up.
So, I challenge you to keep pushing no matter how long it takes. You can do it. Keep Grinding!
On The Grind – Byron