I don’t care who you are or how much you know…
Results never happen fast enough.
And the even worse part?
Often not only do results not happen fast enough but progress is NEVER linear.
I bring this up because I know we are all guilty of wanting more.
Of considering going to more extremes or doing more to try to get things to happen faster.
Or on the flip side…of getting so frustrated we give up.
Which really if you think about it is super stupid considering giving up for sure isn’t going to get us results faster.
But well, it’s still tempting none the less out of frustration.
Honestly, often really the issue is we simply haven’t given our results enough time to build.
While I know we become afraid that we’re repeating the same thing hoping for a different result, or sticking with something that won’t work?
Often it’s really just that we haven’t done it long enough.
We can’t out exercise or out diet time.
So what can you do to help yourself trust the process a bit more? Be willing to give things time to add up?
1. Create a clear plan with a set end date – I know in theory we want to make changes a lifestyle, but we do better with an end date. A set time at which we can assess and adjust. Also, even with a lifestyle? You won’t be repeating the exact same habits forever. Our needs and goals are constantly evolving. What you do to lose weight or gain muscle? Won’t be what you do to maintain. Especially if you even change workouts or fitness goals or activity level….
2. Track – If you can see you’re doing the habits you need to be doing to get results? You know you’re doing the right stuff. I think often we are more worried about whether or not something is working when we don’t have that accountability. When we can’t see if we are actually doing what we are supposed to be doing. And often when we don’t want to track? It’s because we do want to give ourselves an excuse. We don’t want to take that honest look at what we are doing. Because all too often that honest look DOES show it is our fault and is something we can change. If you want results though? As hard as it is? You want to know there is something within your power to accurately adjust!
3 – Measure in multiple different ways. Body recomposition won’t often show on the scale. But do you really care what the scale says if you LOOK amazing? If you have the aesthetic visual you want? Not to mention if you’re able to move better, lift more, run faster, cycle further? Guess what? Those habit changes will build toward other aesthetic changes that may take longer. So taking PRIDE in those other achievements will help you build momentum and stay motivated. Success breeds more success so finding ways to celebrate wins to keep us moving forward toward long term goals is key!
I mention all of this because around this time of year, we start to get frustrated. We’ve been putting in weeks of work towards new goals and no matter how amazing our results have been? We always want more.
The key is realizing that results mean being in it for the long haul and finding pleasure in the changes themselves.
And even recognizing that impatience is…well….part of it. It means you’re doing what you should be!
Fully agree Cori…You are a great motivator, educator, and everything you do is great regarding your passion for “fitness” I don’t like this word therefore in the quotation. Keep doing, I’m your fan and follower couple of years and got many inspiration and advice from you 🙂 Thanks a lot.
Truth!! Preach!!
Sometimes I feel as though I need to apologize for leaving what might appear to sarcastic comments. They’re not. I’m just trying to find a way to make a comment without taking up too much space in the comment section, like I did in the above “Preach” comment. I read or listen to the podcasts and they ring so true. At the age of 69 I’ve experienced a bit of life and I’ve seen the “give-it-to-me-now-Daddy” approach to living become the norm. I see people give up on marriages because they don’t feel as though it’s worth fighting for. Give up on careers, give up on important beliefs because they’ve hit a little wall or bump. Give up on fitness goals for no good reason other than it makes them sweat or move outside their little box. I’ve been guilty of making those exact “I give up” decisions. Every time I get trapped in the mental “I give up” mind set I always regret it later. Whether it’s a week later or years later I always look back and think..’What if I had stuck with it?” You’re right! Worthwhile results take time, effort, work and won’t happen overnight.
And then…of course..if you do break through the “I give up” phase, the next phase is “can I make this my new norm?” That’s when the real work begins. Falling off, getting back on, falling off, and getting back and constantly tweaking as new life conditions arise….like suddenly finding yourself at…being 69!! LOL.
Thank you so much Matus! So glad everything helps!
Ah life. It’s so full of those ups and downs and learning experiences. And no matter how much we do try and grow from each thing? We realize there is still more to learn! But as long as we see each new thing as an opportunity and work to constantly challenge those boundaries, we will continue to make progress…even if it isn’t exactly in the way we’d like. But as you said, giving up never made anything better! We all will just keep on learning like you have Fred! Cause you’re rocking 69!
🙂
Fred, your comment really rang true for me, especially as I’m one of those people watching the other person give up on our marriage and family. Not to be TMI but it has made me confused on so many other things where I now question “is this even the right path?” Or “will this even work?” Because my inner confidence in something I once trusted is so broken. But- your abs Cori’s other words-that progress will take time, effort, persistence and tweaking- also rang true. Whether in body recomposition or in life matters, thank you for the reminders that plateaus happen and persistence will pay off in the end.
Persistence will pay off. And progress is never linear even when we are on the right course. We also have to recognize that everything is a learning experience that can help us ultimately in reaching our goals.
Thank you for these insights!
A fact, thanks for the motivation.
Cori, I have learnt abc’s of physical fitness from your YouTube videos and your indepth blogs.YOU ARE MY GURU(TEACHER).Your thoughts in this blog are precious.I promise you I will stay consistent with whatever I learned from you.This world needs teachers like you.
Glad they help!
🙂 Glad it helps!
Glad the tips and posts help!