Yesterday we had some friends over for brunch and I got into a fascinating conversation.
Three of us somehow got onto the topic of our exercise regimes, and specifically what each of us does to stay on track and talk ourselves into working out when we don’t want to.
Sarah, who, years later, still uses the WarriorFit workout I invented, mentioned a time when her boss intruded on her tight workout schedule.
As he (or was it she?) prattled on about something fairly unimportant, she was getting more and more anxious about her exercise window closing.
All three of us have these “dedicated, scheduled times” we adhere to that create powerful HABITS that we don’t have to think about.
That’s one Master Key to perseverance.
Paul’s little story was another.
One of the strategies I frequently use to motivate myself is imagining how I will feel when I am finished working out — I always feel great.
Thinking of the end result gets me through the rough spots and periods of low-motivation.
Paul was at the rec center and overheard a conversation between two elderly men.
One said, “I tell myself, ‘I’ve never regretted a workout.'”
I thought this was brilliant, simply brilliant. A prime motivator for all of us is the question, “will it be worth it?”
This gentleman gives himself the pat (and true) answer that obviously has worked well into his advanced age.
Add that question to your repertoire.
People who persevere are no different from those who don’t; there is no magic willpower gene that makes us continue when we don’t feel like it.
The ONLY difference is that people who persevere learn and apply specific techniques every day to build habits of thought and action that keep them on the path of success. Often times a Lack of Will is just a Lack of Skill.
Think about that the next time you think you or your child doesn’t have what it takes to persevere.
Success leaves clues…