–The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Have you ever had a great idea or a lofty fitness goal that you had every intention of starting, but it seemed as if things just kept getting in the way? Here’s an example of this from my own life:
I wake up one morning with a great idea for an inspiring blog post. No! It will be a nutrition challenge. I go to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, notice some dishes in the sink, so naturally, I wash the dishes. I head to my computer to start writing my epic blog post/challenge when I noticed some dirty clothes just laying on the floor. Obviously, I pick up the clothes and while I’m at it, start a load of laundry. I notice the clothes in the dryer need folding, so there I go, folding laundry with my cup of coffee while singing “Savage Remix “ by Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonce. After that bop session I head to my computer to start writing, sit down, and my mind goes blank. I had forgotten my great idea! I had spent so much time letting all those forms of resistance stand in my way, that my great idea just kind of flew away as quickly as it had come!
It is inevitable that at some point in your life if you aspire to do anything of value, that you will come across resistance. Resistance is freedom’s opposite. Resistance is accomplishment’s evil step-sister. Resistance will stop at nothing to prevent us from stepping into our true calling. Resistance takes on many valid and formidable forms. Some of these include health problems, depression, addiction, a new job, a big move, having no job or income, having 5 children, you get the idea. Most people would understand and support you if you used these forms of resistance as reasons NOT to go after your calling. I myself have used some of these excuses. Don’t get me wrong, these are valid and consequential excuses, but the thing is, if we use them as reasons NOT to go after our goal, then we have let resistance win, and we are no closer to accomplishing that thing that has us so inspired. So how do we overcome resistance?
DO
Write. Take the first step. Make the call. Create. No one has to see it-this is for you and you alone. Starting will give you the confidence needed to continue. Action comes before motivation. Do not wait to be motivated to start-because you never will. You don’t need to know it all, plan it all, or have six pack abs to start. Start small, or start big, just start.
INSTANT GRATIFICATION
Great things take time and it’s easy to get restless when we don’t see the fruits of our labor. But let’s face it, big goals don’t happen overnight. When I’m in pursuit of a big goal but I feel like nothing is happening in my day to day life, I get a little instant gratification. Now don’t go self-sabotaging and eat a pint of ice cream. I’m talking about the kind of gratification that makes you feel better after you do it! Do 100 sit-ups. Of course you don’t have abs already but that burn tells your brain that you’re on your way. Get a haircut or your nails done. Have sex. Take a kick ass picture and post it on Instagram (all those likes! So gratifying).
SELF AFFIRMATION
Resistance will stop at nothing to make you feel unworthy, not enough, like a failure. Take a few moments to self reflect and write down only what you like about yourself. Don’t turn this into a 3 day process-that is resistance distracting you from your goal! Just write a few words that come authentically, and repeat these words when you feel resistance creeping in.
Action cures fear. Instant gratification keeps us going. Self affirmation gives us confidence. Now get your butt out there. Do the damn thing!
Live Well Nutrition Coaching 