Doing this, doing that, we say it often, or at least I did. I used to say it about a lot of things. My general personality leans on the more sarcastic and sardonic side usually, but in my life, despite having that attitude, I have tried new things. At the same time, this attitude has kept me from exploring pieces of myself. Luckily, in the last year, even when I say something is stupid or I wouldn’t try that, eventually I will. These knee / jerk reactions often find their way into our general day to day life, and inhibit us from growing and being the best versions of ourselves that we can be.
One of these examples is something that I overcame this morning. Even a few weeks ago, when looking at the fitness schedule at the gym, I passed over any of the morning classes. Most days I am working in the mornings, so doing anything before that was out of the question, until a few days ago. I decided that I enjoy doing CrossFit, mostly because it is the hardest thing I have ever done (that is the kind of attitude I am talking about, if its hard, don’t run from it, run towards it, it can only make you better). Well, aside from Sundays at 10:30 (a decent hour), the only CrossFit classes are at 6AM! This is a time that I like to be dead to work, so waking up at 5:30 to get ready for the gym has always been a “hell no”, or as the title suggets, “I wouldn’t be caught dead …. at the gym at 6am”. Well, I might be caught dead there because I was working out like crazy.
Another staple of this week has been going to these fitness classes alone. Although, I broke out my “gym buddy” need phase, fitness classes were still uncomfortable for me to go to alone, but last Sunday I went to CrossFit, which was a huge risk, as there are some beastly persons that go to that class, but I know this program will make be better, stronger, faster. Since then, I have gone to Cardio Barbell Blast, Kettleball Krazy, and CrossFit (again) alone, and guess what — I DID NOT DIE.
It takes time, this I know (like I said, I told myself last week, I wouldn’t go to the gym at 6am), but never rob yourself of an opportunity if you think it is BEST FOR YOU. Even if it makes you cranky, tired, sweat, cry, whatever it is – if the long run is worth it for you, do it. You have nothing to lose – for me, I lost an hour of sleep, but I burned more fat, added more muscle, and got my blood pumping early in the morning.
A year an a half ago, my “I wouldn’t be caught dead list” was a LOT bigger. Trying vegetables, going to the gym at all — then subsequently, alone, running (when not for my life), eating healthy, etc. Like I said, it does take time, make those small goals, achieve them, then push on, but using this phrase (or a similar mantra – “I can’t, I won’t, etc.) will only hold you back from the greatness that is inert greatness inside of you. So, get up, and go!
Keep on keepin’ on 🙂
