Getting Your Butt in Gear: Finding the Courage to Start (Part 1)

Starting is scary.

It's so much safer to procrastinate, put things off and simply contemplate the change. The feeling of starting something reminds me of the feeling you get when standing at the edge of a high dive. You know it will be amazing once you jump, you know you can’t possibly turn around and climb down, and you know you will do it eventually. But oh, it’s so scary to make that jump! 

Jumping into Self Care
Beginning a new fitness and nutrition program sometimes feels like jumping off that high dive. Perhaps you've dabbled with various workouts and eating plans before, but never with true commitment. Never have you fully taken that jump, knowing you’re 100% into it, with no turning back.

It’s easier to quietly wade along the fringes, knowing you can turn around and walk right out if you need to. Minimal commitment.

But, deep down you know that for a fitness and nutrition program to really work, you have to jump off the high dive. No more dabbling and no more wading on the edges. You have to go big. And that takes a lot of courage.

Courage
Courage is doing something that frightens you.
Courage is acting on your beliefs despite a feeling of danger or disapproval.
Courage is laying it all out in the open, fully acknowledging your own fears and shortcomings, and doing it anyway.

Jumping into a self care program with 100% commitment is downright scary and takes a lot of courage. There's no doubt about it. 

• It takes courage to decide that you're not going to play the victim anymore.
• It takes courage to step up and own your own journey, all of it, without blaming anything or anyone else for where you are.
• It takes courage to decide that you are done being fragile and you're going to do something about it. 
• It takes courage to admit that you are not perfect and never will be, but you're going to try and take care of yourself better. 

It all takes courage...so much courage. Don't miss this or sweep it under the rug.  

What are you afraid of?
Why have you not plunged in with all you’ve got? Why are you holding back? Let's take a minute and see what it is that you're truly afraid of. 

1. Failure. Maybe you’re afraid of failing. What if you start a program and commit to it 100% for 6 months, but it doesn’t work? What if you do the same thing that your friends are doing, and it works for them, but not you? What if you just can’t do it at all?

Now, let me turn it around on you, friend. What if you don’t fail? What if you blow it out of the water and succeed far more that you ever expected? What if instead of losing 15 pounds, you lose 25? What if you fall in love with the process and can’t get enough?

Courage is giving it a shot anyway, even though you're afraid you might fail. 

​2. Giving something up. Maybe you're afraid because you know you'll probably have to give something up. It’s very common to fear losing a lifestyle that brings you so much comfort and pleasure right now. “But I love NOT exercising and my wine and pita chips. I don’t want to lose these things!” 

(Honestly, this fear is what most diet and exercise programs prey on. They'll convince you that with their program you can keep your unhealthy lifestyle and still see changes. "Just drink these chocolate oreo shakes. Just do this cardio machine for 10 minutes. Just eat these pre-packaged and processed foods." It's so deceptive and subtle. Beware.) 

Ok, so you're afraid you'll have to give something up. But, what if you find a new active and healthy lifestyle that you enjoy even more? What if your eyes become open to how the lazier lifestyle actually made you feel. What if you realize that being fit and eating clean makes you feel so much better and you start to crave it even more? 

Courage is saying "I'm just going trust the process and do this right", even though you know you might have to give some things up. 

3. Injury. Maybe you're afraid of getting injured. You might know what your body is able to handle right now and the thought of asking for it to do more is frightening. You feel fragile. The last thing you want is to tweak your back and be worse off.

But, what if you don’t get injured at all, and actually become remarkably strong? What if through the whole process you shed the fragile feeling and instead feel capable and competent? How amazing would that feel?!

I can't think of a single member in my Coaching Program that hasn't said to me, 

"I feel so much stronger and more confident in what my body can do now. I'm not afraid to do active things anymore because I know my body won't break. I no longer hesitate, and it's a great feeling." 

Courage is choosing to not speculate with "what-ifs".

4. Looking ridiculous. Maybe you're afraid of being silly. You've heard yourself say these things:

"I've never been very coordinated and the exercises look complicated. I'm not athletic and probably can't lift very much...definitely not as much as her! And I don't want to be the weird one ordering healthy food at restaurants. This is just going to be so embarrassing!"

All I have to say is so what! 

Put your blinders on and do the work. Who cares if you look silly, fall over, can’t coordinate your arms and have to order something strange at the restaurant? Seriously, who cares? Apparently you do, and you're probably the only one. 

Courage is getting over yourself and just getting your butt in gear, even if you think you might look ridiculous in the process. 

5. It might actually work. Maybe you're afraid of success. This is a strange fear, but very real.

What if you don’t like the results?
Or what if you do like the results, but you don’t like the attention?

You’d rather just stay how you are because that’s what you and everyone else is accustomed to.

But, oh friend, what if you really like the results? What if you find a new version of yourself that you never knew existed?

What if, in the end, you discover that this goes so much deeper than how much you weigh and what size you wear? What if you are a more whole, committed, knowledgeable, wise and deeply health person than you ever were before? Wouldn’t you want to know this about yourself? 

Courage is not knowing exactly what the outcome may be, but you choose to do the work anyway. 
​
Get Your Butt in Gear
Sister, it's time to kick things into action. It's time to get serious and start taking care of yourself. Yes, starting is scary. I know that...I won't dress it up, sugarcoat it, or try to convince you that it's going to be easy.

But, be courageous is knowing exactly what it is that you’re afraid of and going for it anyway. 

Are any of those five fears above ringing true with you? Think about what's holding you back from getting started, from jumping off that high dive and giving this all you've got! 
​

"So be strong and courageous!
​Do not be afraid and do not panic...For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

Well, what's the next step?

If you're ready to kick things into gear and start taking better care of yourself,
you're in the right place. 
The Strong Mommas Coaching Program is an online training program that teaches you how to eat better and how to exercise properly without overwhelming you. 

You'll learn practical healthy eating guidelines that make sense in any situation, including meal plans, grocery lists, and tracking charts to help you stay accountable. 

You'll also gain access to monthly workout routines that are designed by a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach specifically for Strong Mommas. They're quick, effective, and challenge you in all the right ways. 

Click here to see everything else that's included, to read testimonials, and to start today for just $1!