Too many people tend to think that all they have to do to feel better is go on a diet for a few weeks or months and drop that extra weight. Or maybe they can try the latest diet pill or shortcut that will make losing the weight easier. It’s true that you can find some shortcuts that will make it easier, but what most people don’t realize is that the results gained from those shortcuts are often short-lived. Let me explain…
Shortcuts Are Short-Lived
The problem with shortcuts is that they tend to take the work out of the activity that you need to make a change. And when you remove the activity required to make a positive change, then a positive habit can’t be formed. Let’s look at losing weight. So, you got the diet pill, you lose 30 pounds and you’re happy. Now, you can’t take that diet pill the rest of your life, so you eventually stop using it. And why not, because you’ve reached your goal? You stop the pill but haven’t changed any of your old habits. Weeks pass, months pass, and before you know it you have put all that weight back on plus some. You’re miserable and complain that you can’t seem to keep the weight off. That’s because you didn’t change anything. You need to make a change.
Make A Change
The only way to make real change is to put in the time. You have to go through the trials and tribulations of life if you want to come out the other side stronger. If you want to be in better shape, then you need to do the work that will get you there. You need to change the diet, do the exercise, make the positive choices that will change your life. Will you see the results immediately? Nope!!! Just like eating one candy bar today won’t make you fat right away, eating one apple won’t make you healthier either. You have to put the time in. Eat the apple more often than the candy bar. Exercise more days than you don’t. Avoid the bad things in life more than you partake in them. This is how you make a change. And all of these take time. There is no shortcut.
The Takeaway
Shortcuts can give you a quick win sometimes but the quick win is often short-lived. There is no shortcut to a better life. There is no shortcut to a healthier you. There is only the work you need to put in to make positive things happen. It’s a mindset change. You need to change how you look at progress and how you can reach your fitness goals. Say no to shortcuts as often as you can. Take the time, put in the work, earn what you get. The best way to hold on to something is to earn it in the first place. Now get out there and earn it!!!
Next Fitness Friday, I will share how fitness is a process and how to pace yourself.