One of the reasons I love blogging so much is because it documents how much I’ve grown as a person. But there are times when I come across a post that just shows me how much I’ve regressed. And when that happens, it really, really sucks. I recently came across a post I wrote in 2013 on why you should get started on your healthy lifestyle ASAP instead of waiting for the perfect time.
Reading it was a huge slap to the face because if feel like I’m right back where I started. So I wanted to chat about that today…out loud.
I’d already been working out off and on for about a year when I started my blog back in 2013. But before that I’d put off getting healthy and fit for years.
I’m one of those people who need everything to be perfect before I can commit to something. And if the stars don’t align or I don’t get a sign from above, then I’m tabling it until I do. And fitness was one of those things.
When I first started working out, I decided to focus on group fitness classes and made a plan to help me stay on track. I’d take classes at my local GoodLife Fitness and fit in other workouts here and there when I could.
But my need for the perfect conditions kept holding me back.
I actually refused to workout in the afternoons because I felt like I was at my best in the morning. So if I woke up late or had to miss the morning classes for some reason, I just skipped my workouts that day. Which of course, led to me working out way less than I had planned.
Eventually, I got over my hangups and unrealistic desire for always perfect conditions and just threw myself into working out. And I still remember how great I felt a year+ later when I wrote that post and realised how far I’d come.
But then I lost the plot somewhere along the way and for most of 2015 I was right back where I started. Waiting for the perfect conditions to start working out again.
But you know what? I’m done with the waiting game. Because reading that post reminded me of something:
If I keep waiting for the perfect time I’ll accomplish nothing.
I just have to go for it when I can, then keep showing up and doing my best. And that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do this year.
I started working out when I can and going to group fitness classes GoodLife again. And although I still try to go to my favourite morning classes, I’m not morally opposed to attending others if I miss my first choice.
I also do yoga every evening with my roommates which is astonishing because I never used to do yoga at night. It was always something that had to be done in the morning. But, somehow we’re on day 19 and am fairly confident we can make it through an entire month.
I’ve still got a long way to go, especially in non-fitness related areas of my life, but these little accomplishments are definitely pushing me to stop putting so much stock in the ‘perfect’ conditions. Because the truth is, perfect conditions are few and far between and I’ll probably waste my entire life waiting for them.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
- Are you a waiter or a doer?
- How do you convince yourself to act instead of wait for the ‘perfect’ time?
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This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program; however all opinions expressed are my own.
Great post, and so very much agreed with you! I don’t think there’s a perfect time pretty much ever because something in life always happens to come up–the best time is now! 😛
I LOVE THIS! Yes, nobody is perfect here. So… it’s just so important to put aside false notions of perfection in those little details and just go and do. And often, you will get better and better. 🙂 There is so much balance to this post. It’s great.
Emily Swanson recently posted…TOLT: Why Food Helped My Recovery
Isn’t there a phrase that says something like “the perfect time is now”? If not, there should be. But I can totally relate to waiting until things feel right or always saying that I’ll start fresh tomorrow. It’s like why waste more time? Why not just start now and be that much closer to where you want to be. I hear ya, girl.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…tendonitis, gel polishes, and psychotic mosquitos (ToL#189)
Giselle I can relate to this SO much! I am such a perfectionist and always want to wait for the stars, clouds and sun rays to perfectly align before doing anything. Thank you for sharing, and for giving me some inspiration to not be such a darn perfectionist. Good luck on the rest of your yoga month!
Les @ The Balanced Berry recently posted…7 Ways to Increase Happiness
Yes!!!! I am really good about this in some areas, but finally started applying to silly things like just doing more videos on the website. Great reminder
This is me to a tee! Everything in my life I’ve always felt needed to be perfect before I could start anything or even put myself out there with friends and boyfriends. So you are not alone! My advice is you just need to start and always find a way to say yes!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Bikini Friendly Healthy Summer Desserts
I so so so so love your post, I think we might be twins…Getting up after falling off the wagon be it food or exercise is H.A.R.D. It’s all about balance, being kind to ourselves and for me realizing that it’s not all or nothing. I don’t need to wait to start on a Monday or the beginning of the month etc. – just start, each and every day. xoxo
Hey Gis. Read your post this morning and packed my backpack with both walking and pool gear. Opted for walking and did a whole Savannah! (In about 1 hour and 10 mins of course…). Important point to note: I bought the new sneakers in January and this was the first time I used them cos I was ‘waiting for a good time to start exercising. No more excuses for me. Keep the motivation coming!