Isn’t it true the things others find easy seem so glaringly apparent and we tend to block out all evidence of the struggles they may have?

Paying your dues.  Sowing before reaping.

So you didn’t see them with their hands in the dirt?  Sacrifices were surely made.

I’m prone to reflection and lately I’ve been pondering What and maybe WHY some things that used to classify as ‘struggle-street’ for me are now a walk in the park and some….

Some?  Still feel like one step forward…

It’s Now Easy.

1) Watching friends munch on chips etc at the pub.  EVEN though my past-fav-food-in-the-world Was Hot Chips.  Why?

A. I associate hot chips with not being my ideal build.  I have proof to back up this belief.  Whether the belief is real or true doesn’t matter.  What matters is it works for me and I’m hangin on to it!

=> Is there something that you wish you no longer felt tempted to eat?  As you think about that food, do you have the evidence (the reference point for success) of a time in the past when you chose not to eat it?  How was your body looking and feeling then?  What is a belief you can create that will compel you now to avoid that food?

2) Going for a walk at ‘stupid-o’clock’ even in the pouring rain.  Why?

A. I’ve alleviated the decision making process.  I save myself energy thinking “will I?” “won’t I?” and I never have to feel guilty about missing something that’s important to me.

=> What is the one non-negotiable rule you can make for yourself that will make the most impact on achieving your goal?

It’s Still Hard!

3) Not cracking open a bottle of red in the evening if I’m feeling a little stressed.  Why?

A. The pleasure that lovely vino gives me still out-weights any pain I associate with it.  As long as you associate more pleasure than pain with something it’ll be a constant struggle to give it up.  Rather than quit something it’s easier to Replace It.  I haven’t yet found an alternative that cuts it.  Suggestions?

=> So here’s your chance.  Think of something that gives you Short Term Pleasure that you know brings you long term pain.  Your mission is to come up with 3 alternate ways to still enjoy that short term pleasure, by doing something that also supports long term pleasure via the attainment of your goal.

Some of my more successful (!) replacements:

‘Large soy flat white’ to ‘Large long black with a dash of almond milk’

‘Coopers’ to ‘Pure Blonde’ and ‘Vodka pink grapefruit’ to ‘Vodka soda fresh lime’

‘6 white bread rolls and a packet of raw 2 minute noodles for afternoon tea’ YES. True Story…to ‘250gms of baked brussel sprouts with 2 teaspoons of natural nut butter’ Ok, I’m Extreme….and there were steps in-between!

4) Interval Training and body weight exercises twice a week.  Why?

A. I’m not good at it Yet!  I know there’s short term pain involved to get good at it and I’m yet to see proof that the pain is worth the effort.  Ring any bells???  So why do I still do it?  The people I’m modeling who are where I want to be Do It.  I know that if I want something I’ve never had I need to do things I’ve never done – and the list of ways to improve my training and nutrition is diminishing!

=> Do you want something you’ve never had?  If so, the solution is going to take some faith.  If ‘your approach’ worked – you’d have that result you want already!  It’s time to find the person who’s already doing it.  And. Just. Knuckle. Down.

Also understand that when they started, most likely they were at least as UNco, UNfit, or simply downright UNCOMFORTABLE as you are now.  Stick with it and I guarantee you’ll soon be spinning yourself out (in a good way) with the things you’ll become good at and the things you’ll genuinely enjoy.