When I wrote my final year thesis on some random democratic theory in Eastern Europe I remember being paralysed by starting.
For days I was there just staring at the screen. It was mind numbing. I just couldn’t get going. I did everything to distract myself too. Social media was only in its infancy so Facebook was more like a chat to my mates on a mobile phone that was more like a brick.
That Nokia Phone
It had this ‘snake’ game on it too.
I would wonder around the house chatting to my house-mates, throwing a rugby ball around to avoid the inevitable. Doodling. Arguing the core themes of Star Wars. Getting started just seemed so damn tough.
I did eventually.
But boy it was tough. Like dragging teeth.
Some days there were spurts of energy, the other days nothing. It was like a roller coaster. Was I ever going to reach the summit?
100 Words
I did. The climb was done well. Some days I would set myself a ridiculously easy target of 2 paragraphs and then done. 100 words.
Just getting started was down to setting an easy target that I knew I had every confidence in hitting.
It worked out well. I got my bit of paper and went on my merry way giving my folks a good day out in the meantime.
It is no different to getting started with your health and fitness.
When you are stuck with your body there will be a time when you have to reassess things.
Set Up to Win
You see most of us set up the game to fail. We all know what to do but the application is the hard bit.
We start off like a ‘rat up a drain pipe’ trying to change the world. And it will work if you have the mental fortitude to see it through. Most of us though are struggling. Much like me with chapter 1.
Chase one rabbit at a time. We try and chase 14. It is making it almost impossible to achieve. But that is what most diets and programmes are asking for! Do this, do that, try this, try that. It can get exhausting.
Oh yeah – lets not forget about life, family, relationships and work in the way too.
We know what to eat and what to do but we just can’t get going.
It is mind numbing. A problem. A climb just too far. And when we do get going it is a very quick and slippery slope back down.
When you are stuck set up the game to win.
Drink 5 cups of coffee a day. Drop it down to 4 tomorrow, 3 the day after that and then down to 1.
Haven’t exercised in years then start with a walk – for 10 minutes. Set an appointment and do it. If that is too much, start with 5 minutes and build from there. Once you start it is hard to stop.
Ignore veggies? Have a couple raw veggies with your next dinner and then every dinner after that.
Low in protein? Try bulk cooking some meats and fish at the weekend and then try that again the following weekend.
Habits are nurtured not forced.
But the point is that you set the rules to work for you. No one else.
When I was nearing the end of my thesis, I met regularly with my mentor. At the time I just needed the extra support and confidence that I was heading in the right direction.
Accountability Trumps the Lot
But looking back it was the accountability that kept me going to ensure I hit my target.
So when I knew that 500 words had to be ready for Wednesday, it was done.
You need support. Everyone does. Accountability keeps you on track. The information to get you in amazing shape is out there for FREE.
But what actually gets you in shape is the support and accountability to get you there.
And you can’t ignore this powerful element. Over the years I have had coaches in all areas of my life and they have paid back 100x in terms of shortening the time to get to a goal or keep me on track with my progress. It works.
Time is short. You can do this but you need to box smart.
