The television in our house has been on around the clock since the Olympics have started. When a Canadian is competing the world around here comes to a standstill. Are you as enamored by the hard work, dedication and athletic ability of all the athletes as I am?
As I write this, Canada is tied for second place with 10 medals: an amazing demonstration of athleticism and sportsmanship so far and hockey has only just begun!
Now think: how did these athletes come to represent our country in their sport? Hard work, dedication, and discipline are just a few characteristics that come to my mind. Of course raw talent and skill play a huge role. Not one of these athletes woke up one morning and with the skill to represent their country at the Olympics. They worked hard to learn their skills, created goals and committed themselves to exceed those goals and improve every single day. They sacrificed their time to become the best of the best and ultimately they believed in themselves.
Now consider your attempts at fitness. Are you giving all you have got to meet your goals? Do you approach your workouts as one of these Olympians approach their sport to win a gold medal?
Sure, I get it: you have no intention of winning any medals. You just want to lose a little weight, tone a bit here or there, or improve your physical activity. I am not saying you have to apply the same dedication and perseverance to your workouts as an Olympic athlete applies to their sport, but why wouldn’t you?
Why wouldn’t you give all you have to building the strongest, healthiest body for you to live in?
Why wouldn’t you want to extend your life, prevent illnesses and reduce your risk to heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes?
What is standing in your way of being the best you that you can be?
We all have obstacles in our way. We have our excuses. Some excuses seem bigger than others and we call them our realities. The reality is if it is: something you really want, something that you really believe in, or something that you can’t live without you will make it work.
Take a look at your obstacles and your excuses. Write them down. Brainstorm some ideas to work around or eliminate your obstacles. Build a plan of attack and make it happen.
Don’t be afraid to dream big! Let your fitness goals soar and don’t let anything or anyone stand in your way.
Take note from these Olympic athletes and get motivated! Get off the couch and use this as inspiration to meet your fitness goals.
