Pay Now Or Pay Later
What is your true goal? What is the ‘thing’ that makes everything worth the work? Whether you are working towards being stronger, being healthier or you’re just looking to shed a few pounds, ask yourself why. I first joined the gym because I noticed I was one of the heavier girls on my Musical Theatre course. Being lined up with these gorgeous girls, all of us decked out in footless tights and leotards, I felt like a lump. So, I joined a gym. Learnt a few moves in my induction, and stuck to a small routine for about four months. I attended classes, took part in gym challenges and began to love exercise. Then my gym put the membership cost up and my student bank account just couldn’t afford it. It would be two years before I stepped back into a gym.
There was a photo. A photo of me where you could’ve mistaken me for something that washed up on the beach. My muffin top was a cake shelf, my bingo wings were practically flapping in the breeze and my chins were indistinguishable. Or, at least, that’s what I saw.
As soon as I saw the picture, I was hunting gym memberships, detox teas and tips for flatter stomachs. I was determined…it lasted a week. Then I heard the phrase ‘pay now, or pay later’. At first I didn’t get it, then it dawned on me. I could pay now in sweat, tears and find motivation on the down days, or I could pay later. And who knows what I would have to pay later. Obesity? Diabetes? Heart Disease? That gave me a kick up the arse.
When it all boils down, there’s an emotional reason for every decision. I’ve met people who will start crying when we talk about their goals, I’ve trained men and women alike who get emotional when we achieve goals. To put your goals into words will always spark an emotive response, but that is such a good thing, it means you want it! So, go out and start chasing it.
Right now while the world is a bit mad is the perfect time to look at what your goals are, and not just physically or exercise based. Your goals right now could be professional, mental, emotional, it doesn’t matter and nobody needs to know what you’re working towards, but knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel; there’s something that you are progressing towards will give you focus, help you find motivation and help us find our power.