Five Things I've Learned from My Treadmill

A lot of people fall into the trap of thinking accomplishments are borne out of emotions. "Oh, I'm so sick of being fat! I need to get my lazy butt to the gym!" Although it may be true that emotions can get you started toward doing something positive for yourself, emotions will not keep you going to the gym. Decisions are what will keep you going in the right direction. When you make a decision, you're cutting yourself off from any other option. Use your emotions to help you come to positive decisions, and that's how you will accomplish your goals.

When I'm on the treadmill, if I say, "I'm going to jog now until I don't feel like it anymore," that will probably last all of 15 seconds. If, however, I make the decision to jog for 10 minutes, I can easily accomplish the task. It doesn't matter if I'm tired, or if my legs hurt, or if I just don't feel like jogging anymore, because I've already made the decision to do it. It's the decision that allows you to accomplish what you want to do.

2. Be realistic

Decisions are great, but if you don't make realistic decisions you'll get frustrated really quickly. The only way to guarantee your decisions will be realistic is to do things in manageable increments. Push yourself to do just a little more than you did before, and you'll have the confidence you need to succeed.

To stick with the jogging example, if you tell yourself that you're going to jog for 10 minutes you should take care to not do so at a speed or incline you're uncomfortable at. Then each day you can challenge yourself a bit more, either with jogging for a longer period of time, or at a faster speed, or at a higher incline. Then someday you'll be in such good shape you'll have to challenge yourself with all three at once!

3. Consistency is the magic ingredient

What you do just today does not have much impact on your goals. The only thing that matters when it comes to accomplishing your goals is what you do consistently, day-in and day-out. If you get all motivated to work out and eat right and it lasts for all of 24 hours, you won't get anywhere. This is why most people recommend making small changes that you can consistently stick to, instead of huge changes that will only last a week (if that).

I made the decision to walk for an hour every day. I told myself it doesn't matter if I jog or if I walk for that hour, as long as I'm on that treadmill doing something, I've accomplished my goal. Walking may not seem like much, but over time when done consistently, it can do a lot. If I only get on the treadmill once or twice a week, that won't accomplish anything. Make a decision to be consistent.

4. Be selfish

So many people (mothers especially) say they can't work out or eat right because they don't have time. They're busy taking care of their children -- feeding them, playing with them, driving them here and there -- and there's no time left for themselves. This is simply untrue. What mothers are saying when they say they "don't have time" is that their children come first before their own needs. I would like to challenge all mothers out there that by putting your own health and fitness first, you ARE putting your children's needs first.

When you are healthy and in shape, you are better able to play with your children. You will have more patience with them. You will be happier and more relaxed. What better gift to your family than a mother who is happy, relaxed, patient, and able to play? How often do you just lie on the couch while your children play? Make a commitment to your children to be more selfish, for their sake. They will thank you for it.

5. Good music can see you through a lot of tough times

Great music is a huge motivating factor for me. I can be on the treadmill feeling like I'm about to die and then a great song comes on and I feel like I could run for another half hour. If you can, take special care to pick and choose the music that motivates you while you work on your goals. Some people watch TV while they work out, but unless talk shows or the news gets you motivated to push and challenge your body, TV is probably not the best choice. Find what motivates you specifically and use it to your advantage.

Obviously these "lessons" apply directly to exercise, but I believe they can also be applied elsewhere in your life. Don't be ruled by emotions, make decisions instead; Be realistic in your goals; Work consistently towards your goals; Be selfish (at least a little), so your family will have the gift of a happy person; Find what motivates you and use it to your advantage.

Here's to a healthier, happier you!