Although these are important considerations, the most common mistake is to jump straight into physical change before one’s mental state has been prepared. How does one prepare without the advanced knowledge necessary to formulate a plan? Start with Conviction. The belief in yourself and what you are about to undertake is no small thing and must be emphasized first and foremost in your mind. Regardless of your past experiences, view this as both an opportunity for positive change and an investment in your future. Think about your ideal quality of life as you approach your later years – this is the long-term goal. Physical well-being and the chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor makes all of the hardships worthwhile.
What’s next after establishing your conviction? Discipline. If conviction is the framework of your vessel, discipline is the wind that will carry you forward. After committing to a certain path, avoid veering off course as the more you fail to adhere to your plan, the easier it is to become derailed entirely. Stay true to yourself and your goals will quickly appear within reach.
Lastly, after conviction and discipline have been realized, it may seem like there is nothing further to contemplate however this is would lead to the second most common pitfall. I have just described what I call the “acute phase” markers which enable an individual to initiate their fitness quest however there is one final consideration which marks the difference between success and failure – Consistency. This “chronic phase” marker allows one to maintain the strength and cardiovascular benefits received during the acute growth phase over the course of years and even decades. Whether your schedule calls for three days of activity per week or a workout every day, stay on track and visualize your goals.
Just like most things in life, organization is paramount in the early stages of fitness. Organize your mind and your body will follow. Begin with a framework around which you can build and start laying out the foundational principles which will drive your progress. Remember, each of us are given the ability to contain beauty within ourselves. What separates us as individuals is the capacity and degree to which we are able to make it manifest.