When reading stories or listening to compelling talks we notice there is always the main character struggling to overcome adversities.
Otherwise the story would probably be pretty boring.
I had a client say to me, several years ago, “why are you always giving me exercises that I can’t do?”
She said it out of frustration and defeat.
It wasn’t that she could not do the exercise, it was that she felt she had to struggle to complete that exercise. (Full disclosure- the exercise was challenging, but in a good way!)
But what she felt was uncomfortable.
We have all been there in workouts where it was a struggle, trying to get the form down, trying new weights or doing something brand new.
It is a struggle and if we gave you exercises that were easy then you would never see changes to your body.
I even know in my work out on Monday I was struggling. I had just dropped Leo off at daycare and it’s hard. I still get choked up after dropping him off. (It gets easier right?!)
I was down doing planks and all I could think of was him. It would be easier to not do my workout and stay with him a little bit longer, but I need to be healthy for him.
We are wired to take the easier route. We like going in the same direction because that’s what we have always done.
When we look at our own lives we have incredible opportunities that come at us disguised as 500lb lions. Right now, you may be going through something that is hardest thing you have ever been faced with.
The question is, what will you believe about it, and what will you do about it.
The ancient story about a warrior named Bernaiah is a small story that does not get too many details told about it. But what they do say is that one day Bernaiah chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day, and killed it. Then next line says that Bernaiah went on to become Kind David’s chief bodyguard.
When most people come face to face with their opportunities (lions) they run as fast as they can in the opposite direction, but when you decide to embrace the lion and chase it, you have the opportunity to build your resume, your character and your skills.
If I were the king, I would want the guy who had killed the lion in that encounter to be my bodyguard.
When facing adversity we have an opportunity to develop mental, emotional and relational skills in a way that you never would have if you had not suffered this setback.
What you do with the opportunity, is up to you.
When you are unable to do something, create a ‘can do’ list. This list will help you realize all the things around your adversity that you actually can accomplish.
Start jotting down today things you can do and you will be surprised at the list you come up with.
When starting an exercise program you may see a 500lb lion in front of you, but start small.
We encourage even 15-30 minutes of exercise is better than nothing at all. Create a list of everything you can do. If you keep coming up with adversities, call us. We will help coach you through our program and help you chase after the lion!
Click here to schedule your consultation today.
