It is Tough, Suck it Up

Making change is tough and requires resilience and perseverance. Achieving our goals means pushing through barriers and facing the many challenges life throws at us. Tough times are an inevitable part of the journey, but how we respond to these difficulties defines our path to success and personal growth.

This past month, a client ran her first marathon and was worried if she could manage it. My first piece of wisdom was that it would be tough; if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Whether your goal is to run further, run faster, lose weight, or get fitter and stronger, it takes effort.

Key Points:

The Habit Changes We Need the Most:The changes we resist the most are often the ones we need the most. We tend to find excuses to show that these changes don’t work or suit us. Ask yourself: why are you avoiding it? For instance, if you avoid exercise because it feels uncomfortable, that’s likely the area where you need the most improvement.

Mental Toughness:Change is hard, and leaving our comfort zone is a challenge. We always want to revert back to it. You need to have a resilient mindset, push through your comfort zone barriers, understand that it will be uncomfortable, and realize why it is beneficial for making long-term changes. Embrace the discomfort as a sign of growth.

Growth Through Struggle:View challenges as opportunities for personal development. If things aren’t hard and you aren’t seeing the changes you want, are you actually making the right changes for yourself? For example, if your workout routine feels easy, it’s time to increase the intensity to stimulate growth.

Support Systems:Recognize the importance of seeking and providing support. Draw strength from a community to stay motivated. Whether it’s joining a fitness group, finding a workout buddy, or seeking advice from a mentor, having a support system can make a significant difference.

Overall, you need to "suck it up" and keep moving forward despite difficulties, reinforcing that enduring and overcoming tough times ultimately leads to success and fulfillment.