Don't Get In Your Own Way

It’s said the only thing that can stop you is yourself — an accurate assessment of what it takes to be successful. Life is unscripted, which means you’re guaranteed to face situations that are mentally and emotionally challenging. These are what have been called pulse moments. They represent who you are at your core and they can vary from big decisions to small lifestyle choices. They are, quite simply, a test of your desire.

In these moments, whatever they may be, we all face the same basic choice: push on or go home.

A single decision to take it easy isn’t the problem. Missing this morning’s workout won’t turn you into a pile of mush. Adding dessert once in a while won’t destroy your diet and taking a day off now and then doesn’t represent a lack of ambition. But if you’re hitting a virtual snooze button every time a moment becomes difficult, you’re stopping yourself from achieving your goals. Embrace pulse moments and even create them.

If we’ve learned anything from the successful people around us is that a person’s mindset is the secret to achieving health and fitness goals. At some point, you have to become tired of using life as an excuse. Sure, it won’t be easy. Your heart rate might elevate, you’ll feel anxious, nervous or even frustrated. But these are the raw human emotions that will lead you to push a little harder. Focus a little more. And claw towards something you didn’t think was possible.