True success begins when you stop making excuses. In fact, the primary principle in my class “Success 101” is that excuses are the death of any true progress.
Success 101
When I look in the gym, at sports, and in natural bodybuilding, I see stories of untapped potential. What keeps most people from reaching their potential is making excuses!
I know from my own experience that excuses are self-limiting because I was once a story of untapped potential. I think back to the lame excuses I made when I ran track at Abington High School and West Chester University. I made similar excuses at the very beginning of my career as a natural bodybuilder. The garbage coming out of my mouth was a complete embarrassment.
Looking back at those past situations, I see that I was the only thing holding myself back from becoming who I am now. It wasn’t the coaches, the schools, the competition, or the weather. It was the then-skinny man in the mirror.
I’ve Heard It All Before
In my fitness career, I’ve seen how excuses can lead to self-sabotage. I’ve heard the common excuses to not work out. They go a little something like this:
“I’m too old.”
“I’m too young.”
“It’s too hot outside.”
“It’s too cold outside.”
“I’m big-boned so I can’t lose weight.”
“The couch feels too good.”
“I had a long day.”
“The Eagles game is on.”
“That’s for young people.”
“I’ve got a bad knee/shoulder/back/etc.”
“I don’t feel like it.”
Many people wallow in the dustbins of excuses, using them to shield themselves from responsibility. But the reality is that the excuses only push us farther away from our goals. The answer to improving your health, body, or athleticism is to get started today. Taking action today can change your entire health trajectory.
What If?
Are you a beginner or someone who is out of shape? What if you dropped the excuses and got started on your health journey today? What if today was your day 1 and you were consistent with your diet over the next year? What kind of transformation could you achieve? By this time next year, you’ll be a stronger, leaner, and healthier version of yourself.
What if I said that, as a beginner, spending 60-90 minutes a week lifting weights could boost your health within the year? You will look better and, more importantly, you will feel better.
Do you have a desire to step on the natural bodybuilding stage? What if you set a goal to step on stage within 3 years? What would your physique look like after 2 years of focused training, nutrition, and recovery? You’d look like a brand-new person. And feel like one too.
Conclusion
The key message in Success 101 is simple. Your success will begin when you stop making excuses and take action.
I’ll holla at you next time.
The People’s Trainer,
Fitman
