Make A Statement

Getting started on any new adventure is often the hardest part. The laws of physics do support that statement: “A body in motion tends to stay in motion, a body at rest tends to stay at rest”. Once we can overcome the rest phase and actually start moving, it will be easier for us to keep moving. The challenge then is deciding to take that first all important step. Professionals, who advise people wanting to start a business, will often advise they write a mission statement. The mission statement will clearly describe their goal or purpose, who will benefit and how it will be accomplished, all in one sentence. The mission statement is also a very good idea for someone wanting to get started on an exercise program.

A person wanting to improve their physical fitness with exercise might have a mission statement like this: I will improve my health and fitness with regular brisk walking. Deciding on a mission is a good first step, but until a person is actually in motion, nothing is going to be accomplished. So write it down. Plan when, where and how often to walk, then set a starting date. The more thought put into this step, the more successful the plan will be. Exercise is one of those activities that tend to be done only when it's most convenient. Change this, make exercise time as important as any other regular part of the day. The best way is to let it take some of the time usually set aside for couch and TV. Evening walks with another family member or friend is quality time at it's best. Communication is important in marriage and a brisk hour of walking together is a great opportunity to talk out family issues.

Since the body in motion will tend to stay in motion, it does get easier once the plan evolves to the action phase. Be creative and have the confidence that the plan will work if it's followed. There are times when exercise time must be fiercely defended. Excuses are easy to make, but excuses won't accomplish the mission, only the motion time will do that, so value it. I can personally confirm that many of my best training walks were on the days I had the hardest time getting going. Perhaps it was the feeling of pride coming from resisting temptation, or maybe it was the increase in my self respect that made the workout especially satisfying.

Getting started is tough. If it were easy, everyone would be exercising and enjoying the benefits of improving their physical fitness. Yes it's tough, but yes it's worth it. Make a mission statement, form a workable plan, then get moving.

It's not just a step, it's a start.

Dave