We all need a challenge. When we’re challenged, we are spurred to action. Healthy living doesn’t just happen. It is intentional. You establish a routine, and if lived out often, it soon becomes mundane or easy. When that happens, it’s time to move to the next level. You’ve accomplished much and now it’s time to achieve even more.
I want to give you two words of advice regarding a personal challenge. First, learn to push yourself. Health is your decision; this is your future. No one is going to do it for you; it’s something you must do. There is going to be a moment where you feel like giving up, don’t give up. Push forward. Additionally, there are going to be moments when your routine is too easy and you’ve plateaued before reaching your goal. Pushing forward may involve stricter food choices and redeveloped exercise routines. That’s part of the challenge. Secondly, don’t settle. Don’t reside in the space labeled good enough. Too often people quit too early and settle for less than best. They’ve made good strides, but when the challenge comes, they opt to settle.
For me, I had to learn about pushing my exercise routines. My trainers helped me with my mindset. I wanted my workouts to be challenging both in weight and endurance. I’ve learned about workout plateaus when the weight and reps no longer impact. I learned to push through even when it’s hard to finish the set. Just today, I was working with my trainer on a leg routine with box squats. After the first set, he asked me about the weight. I knew the weight was too light. I thought for a moment about whether to push myself or settle. I chose to force myself and add additional weight (appropriate for me). The next two sets of box squats were challenging. I felt it with each set. It was tough, but when I was done, I was glad I didn’t settle and instead chose to push forward.
Challenge yourself! You can do more, and you can be more; do it.
Love the way this looks. Used to do box jumps and they work as well. Thank you for sharing this Brad.
Thank you for the comment. Yeah, they’re challenging – a little more so than regular squats.
Good stuff Brad! I recently did that box exercise at my brother rat’s gym and for me, it was hard from the get go. I thought it was too much weight but he pushed (guilted) me through 4 interval sets and I almost fell off the box a few times on the last set. BUT, pushing through it when I wanted to quit felt awesome after I made it through the workout. The weight was right, my mind was not. Gratefully, with help, we did it together. Pretty cool what we can really do with a supportive partner. Thanks again for all that you do sir.
The mindset and support make all the difference! Thank you for commenting and sharing.