Well Begun is Half Done
Somewhere around 335 BC (give or take a decade), a very wise Greek philosopher and teacher named Aristotle said, "Well begun is half done!" That wisdom reaches far beyond ancient times and can apply to so many aspects of our lives. If we thought that way more often then all that stuff piling up on our desk and in our head would actually get done!
When it comes to any form of exercise, who among us haven't tried to talk ourselves out of it at one time or another? Guilty! So knowing that will happen, just remember Aristotle's principle. In this case, it simply means commit to the start. Even if it's just putting on your workout clothes and nothing beyond that. Just do it!
If you commit to the start, more than likely the momentum will take you further. Next thing you know you're pumping air in your bike to go for a ride, or starting your car to take you to the gym, or opening your front door to go for a walk or run.
And when you hit the road, just commit to a 5-15 minute warmup. After that, check in with yourself. How does your body feel? Are you happy? If so, keep on truckin'! If not, stop and do it all again the next day.
If you discover that you have no joy in the activity you're doing then by all means find something to do that you like! If you like being in nature, find a place to be active that gives you pleasure. If you hate the outdoors, join a gym that you feel comfortable in, or search online for a different exercise program that you can do at home.
The fact is, we can't get healthy by food alone. We need to move. And just as our old friend, Aristotle, said, "We are what we repeatedy do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."
So, here's the bottom line when it comes to having a successful fitness program:
1. Find an activity you enjoy
2. Commit to the start
3. Repeat
Phyllis Smith is Founder/CEO of Rejuvecise: Finding tranquility in every day life. She is a Yoga Instructor and Wellness Coach in the Dallas,Texas area. Contact Phyllis at Phyllis@Rejuvecise.com to learn more about how she can help you discover tranquility in your life.
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