Ever since I started going to the gym about two months ago, I have stayed consistent and I have learned quite a number of things. These include being willing to be bad at something first as I work towards getting better, understanding that consistency is key and the instrumental role having support plays in a journey like this. The lessons shared in this post are also relevant to numerous aspects of life. Interested? keep reading.
Before I share my lessons, let me share a little backstory. I have always been passionate about fitness and have maintained a relatively active lifestyle for the past eight years, but I had never stepped into a gym until two months ago. My workplace has a gym that's free to attend for all staff, therefore my friend/colleague and I decided to register ourselves. The first week was awkward, and my body was very sore. I constantly wondered why I subjected myself to such torture lol. But, I had a clear goal in mind which was and still is to build a STRONG body.
Two months later, I can confidently say, the work is paying off.
Anyway, let's get into the lessons.
1. be willing to be terrible at first
Just like most things, everything done the first time is awkward, and that is okay. True winners are those who are willing to endure the awkwardness and difficulty that come with being a beginner until they become experts. Being a first-timer at the gym was intimidating and confusing at first. I had zero experience using gym equipment like treadmills and heavy weights, and I also wasn't used to working out in front of people or with people. However, I had a goal and recognized that this awkward phase is just part of the process for me to get it, so I'll embrace it for what it is.
In your life, allow yourself to be a beginner. Just start, do it awkwardly and imperfectly. As long as you keep showing up, you will get better.
2. consistency matters more than intensity
If you have not read Atomic Habits by James Clear, you need to ASAP. One of the lessons that has always stuck with me, is that small habits practiced over time, lead to great results. In our day and age, everything is done fast and easy. It is convenient and has made life easier, but if you want to build something that lasts, you've got to stay consistent. I always remember something my favorite fitness YouTuber, Growwithjo says, 'you've got to stay consistent to see true and lasting results.' This doesn't just apply to fitness, but also to life. If there is a goal you want to achieve, it's better to be consistent with small steps, than intense with massive steps. Let's say you want to build muscle. Instead of starting to lift hefty weights and risking injury, two days a week, start with the lightest weights and lift for five days a week, then over time as your body gets stronger, you will be able to lift heavier weights. When you break down your goals into easy-to-do habits, you are more likely to stay consistent over time and achieve those goals, than if you started off intensely.
3. if you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go with others
It's true what they say, teamwork makes the dream work. I probably would not have reached this far in my fitness journey, if I was going on it by myself. I am thankful for my gym buddy and trainer. Having supportive people on this journey motivates me to keep showing up, and challenges me to step out of my comfort zone. I also like the vibes at the gym, it is motivating to be around people with similar goals and interests. The same applies to life, please accept help and support when it is offered to you. Also, take a further step and ask for help yourself. You will go far if you go together.
4. discipline begets discipline
Practicing discipline in showing up at the gym has caused me to be disciplined in other areas. Discipline is showing up and doing the necessary even when you don't feel like it. Listen, if you always do things based on your feelings, you will not achieve much. Feelings are indicators, but they should not always determine how we should act. At times I don't feel like going to the gym, but I remember I set a goal, I made a commitment to show up three days a week, so unless I am completely unavailable, I will practice discipline and show up even when I don't feel like it. Usually, when you do something despite your feelings at the beginning, you will find the motivation to continue, but you have to start.
5. you have to break first to build
At the beginning of this post, I mentioned how difficult the first week was because I was so sore! Well, in fitness, when you are not used to working out certain muscle groups, you will experience soreness and strain because your muscles are being built up. But before the building up, a breaking down has to occur. It's like when a building is being constructed, the ground has to be broken and dug deep so that it has a strong foundation, for it to stand tall and withstand harsh conditions. In life, it is the difficult moments that have the potential to break you, that eventually build you to become the person you have always been meant to be. When you face trials, stop running away. Let them build you up to become a strong person and give you character.
That's all for today's post. Show some love and support by liking, commenting, and sharing this post. Thanks so much for reading through and I will see you on the next one.
xoxo,
Miss Kambe.
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