filled with dread :: restarting a daily workout routine
UGH. Does the idea of restarting a daily workout routine fill you with dread??
Because, I've been DREADING my first post-holidays workout because:
I knew it would be hard.
I knew I would feel weak.
I knew I would be mad at myself the whole time for letting my progress slip.
For nearly a month, I have put off my workouts. I have allowed the dread of a restart to keep me paralyzed and stuck. And because I didn't want to face the struggle and pain of restarting my workouts, I made excuses. Excuses like these:
EXCUSE: "We've been traveling a lot" [TRUTH: Even though I was traveling, I was prepared for a workout. I packed my workout clothes and weights every time, and my workouts are all available online.]
EXCUSE: "We just got a puppy and aren't in a normal routine" [TRUTH: Even with the introduction of the puppy into our routine, there has still been plenty of time in the day to add a quick workout.]
These excuses did nothing other than build up restarting until it felt like a Herculean task, which only amplified my dread, created resistance, and cost me ... time - the most precious of life's commodities.
Finally, I decided that I was done making excuses and was ready to "just do it".
I reminded myself that if my fitness - my health - is going to remain a priority to me, then it is time to get back into the swing of things - even if it was hard, painful or overwhelming because I will feel better when I take care of myself and when my body is strong. And, most importantly, because I am worth the effort.
So, after a month of excuses and "time off"... I got back at it with a simple 30 minute strength workout.
I scaled back on the weight.
I lowered my personal expectations.
I fought the urge to quit.
And, you know what? My workout WAS hard. I DID feel weak and I WAS mad at myself for letting my progress slip.
BUT you know what else? Because I decided to get back into action today...I know that tomorrow WILL be a little easier. I WILL feel a little stronger, and I WILL feel like I'm making progress again!
 And THAT feels so good! Â
Today, I challenge YOU to ask yourself:
What are you avoiding because you're dreading a restart or anxious about the struggle?
What small step can you take today to get back at it and build a brighter tomorrow?
