Oftentimes when we need to get something done we constantly put things off saying we will do it when it’s convenient or when a better time comes. I’ll go on that diet after this party in three weeks. I’ll start working out when I have more time. Honestly I put off writing this blog post almost all day until I willed myself to do it. Most all of us have at some point (or currently) have avoided and procrastinated doing something, even though it may be something we really wanted. Now if you need to procrastinate a little bit more here’s one of my favorite TED talks describing how our brain procrastinates. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU) When it comes to getting started on your own personal goals don’t delay. As Earl Nightingale says “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway”
When it comes to fitness goals, the whole process can seem daunting- you may feel like you need a gym membership, need the perfect workout gear, need a certain supplement or have made a certain amount of progress on your diet before you begin. Specifically when it comes to dieting and weight loss, one of the biggest stumbling blocks that can stop progress before it has even begun is “what diet is best?” (Translation: which diet is going to make me look like I did before I had children/a house/ a stressful job/fit into my old jeans?) Let’s start here: the best diet is the one that you can stick to. The truth is that all diets work to lose weight it is a calorie balance issue. It is a simple equation (Kcal in – Kcal out = weight gain or weight loss). So if the total calories you eat are higher then what you expend in your normal daily activities, you gain weight. If the calories you consume are less than the amount you burn, weight loss will occur. Thus instead of taking the time to delay and confuse yourself with the intricacies of IIFYM, Keto, Atkins, Grapefruit, Twinkie, Liquid (The beer/vodka diet my friend Johnny is in to), or any other diet, just pick one and get started.
Since diet and fitness are often correlated, let’s discuss exercising next. After you have spent all that time figuring out what your diet is going to be, it would probably only make sense that you’re going to put the same energy into figuring out your exercise methodology. Or, maybe you don’t, and you end up in the same place you’ve been- procrastinating. Possibly the easiest one to get away with ourselves is “I don’t know where to start.” Ultimately, if you’re brand new to working out, trust the experts and contact a Strength and Conditioning coach or Personal Trainer. These people will be able to listen to your goals and take the guess work out of working out. Also, by starting (or restarting) under the tutelage of a fitness professional, you reduce the likelihood of injury and lay a strong foundation for your future athletic endeavors. Whatever you decide, the sooner the better. Whether you contact a coach or trainer, join a gym, or start walking daily, it’s a step in the right direction. By accomplishing that first little step it starts to build the progress to continue. From there you can start getting into weight training, running, group classes, join a gym and be avid member. But it has to start today. The longer you put things off in your life the easier it is to never get it done. Remember, start today, and to quote one of my professors “Anything is better than nothing” so any step forward is better than doing nothing at all.
As in anything in life you will never gain all the information before you make a decision, and though it may be tempting in today’s information age, it’s not the end all be all. If you waited to obtain all the information before you act you will never act. So if you have a goal of accomplishing anything stop putting it off until tomorrow and JUST GET STARTED!