By StevieB
So what do I believe?
I
believe in growth, physical growth. After the work day is over, and I
leave the office, the opportunity to grow as an individual presents
itself as a choice. Upon heading to my car, I have a daily decision to
make. I can head home to raid the refrigerator and plop down on the
sofa, I can head to my favorite fast-food place for my favorite burger,
or I can take a small amount of my day and head to the gym. Even at
forty, I still have this power that manifests itself as a lazy,
self-defeating voice that thinks that heading home is the better choice.
That a stop off at my favorite fast-food joint will be much more
gratifying. As fast food equals happiness. This is when I say “NO” to
that voice and head to the gym.
Why
is the fear of succeeding so strong inside of us? The fear of
happiness. The fear of success. The fear that the other people working
out at the gym are just better people? I talk to so many friends that
declare they could “never go to the gym” as they would be judged as
unworthy. They seem to be scared of what complete strangers may/or may
not be thinking. The simple fact that you are at the gym, attempting
your best to improve yourself, means you are on an even playing field.
Another
excuse that comes into my head, I also hear from others. The convenient
excuse of time. “There’s just not enough time in the day to go to the
gym.” I do; however, have time to eat cheeseburgers. More time than
improving yourself? Well, short-term, the act of eating a burger may be
more gratifying, but...
“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” -Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby (1826-93), British statesman. The Conduct of Life, address at Liverpool College, 20 Dec 1873.
Physical
activity is what sustains us in life. To not work towards being
physically fit is to welcome illness into your life. The tiny amount of
time it takes, in respect to our allotted time on this planet, is
minuscule considering the most important key to life is a healthy body.
The
act of bringing physical activity into your life is an act of over
coming the fear of happiness. The fear of success. It in-fact empowers
success. The confidence that is gained by meeting exercise goals, even
small ones, can boost self-confidence. It also makes you feel better
about your appearance. To feel good about your physical appearance is a
right, not a privilege.
Exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of
negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. The instant
gratification you get from food, sex, or liquor falls away because you
are doing something positive to manage anxiety and depression.
Tell that little voice that keeps repeating that you aren't worthy of being healthy, that instead you choose to go for a walk.
This post originally appeared on Steven Bennet's website Nice to See StevieB. Republished with permission.