Fitness is a lifestyle. We are continuously challenging ourselves to grow and become the best version of ourselves. There is no perfect time to start this journey. There is no magic formula to become fit. There is no specific diet to help you reach your goals faster. It takes consistency, sacrifices, dedication, mental toughness, and a desire to want to become a healthier version of yourself to reach these goals. It takes a mindset that will make no excuses even if you have no desire to get off the couch. Starting this journey can be tough because all you have in mind is you want to become fit, but you have no idea where to start. We all had a starting point. Every man and woman in the gym had to start somewhere just like you. The difference is they made a decision to stay consistent and let no setback get in the way of their goals. Don’t look at fitness as a daily task that you check off on your to-do list for the day. Instead, look at it as a positive lifestyle change to help you become the person you envision.

You won’t always have the desire to hit the gym, but that’s why you have to dig deep and find your “why.” Your motivation will only take you so far. Don’t get me wrong, motivation is a necessity, but your “why” is what will help you get up in the morning and crush your goals when excuses are flooding your mind. Your “why” has to drive you to push through the pain, excuses, and setbacks that will come your way. The excuses don’t go away. One day it’s raining or too cold. The next day you have to stay up late for a project or put in extra hours for work. Excuses are going to come, but it’s up to you to decide whether or not to give in to the excuses. This is why it’s important to find your “why.” Your “why” becomes a main solution to your excuses.

No, this won’t be easy, but is anything in life worth having easy? You have to take small steps towards achieving your fitness goals. These small steps will take you great distances. These small steps help you feel less overwhelmed and more confident once you start seeing consistent progress. Progress and lifestyle changes are not overnight. Don’t get discouraged if you didn’t lose a pound or if you didn’t get stronger this week. Don’t beat yourself up. Find the small wins each week and celebrate them. The hard work, dedication, and consistency will pay off. Starting tomorrow wake up with a fresh, new mindset. Ditch the excuses and make a commitment to yourself to chase your goals and not give up. Go be the best version of yourself. You owe it to yourself. You got this.