Fit for Life: I Don’t Want to Hear It, So Don’t Say It

Saturday, August 09, 2014

Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health + Lifestyle Contributor

I can't. I'm waiting for… But. I AM trying. After. I should've…

Unless you have the capacity to delegate to others, you need to take action yourself. Thinking about it and gathering good ideas isn't enough. When it comes to health and fitness you need to take the initiative, get moving and start eating properly. You can't have someone else do that for you.

Even those that hire a professional like myself still have to supply some drive, desire, and discipline. This seems to be the hardest part for most people to maintain. First, you need to realize that you have a problem, even before you pick up the phone to call a trainer. Some examples of fitness problems would be: inability to lose weight, tightness, bad posture, or just needing a kick in the butt to increase intensity. When you do that, you have taken the first step.

Next I will assure you, and even guarantee you, that you will get the results you want IF you follow my lead. But there are lots of steps to success and sometimes life gets in the way. Even though you know what it will take to get there, we encounter distractions and psychological roadblocks that slow our process. By changing a few habits, and eliminating some negative thoughts, you will find it to be an effective way to accomplish your goals.

Lose the excuses – get back on the path to success

1. “I can't” - This is the biggest cop-out that you can say to yourself. Whenever there is a task that you think you can't accomplish, realize that if others can do it, why can't you? My philosophy is this: when someone does something that you think you can't do, it's because they wanted it more; they are not better than you. So, if you want something in life, be it health or wealth, you need to develop an “I can” attitude and go after it.

2. “But I am trying” - This is just another way of saying I am not succeeding at something. I am trying to lose weight or I am trying to find a job. There are many ways to lose weight, and there is always someone hiring. If you truly are trying, you will be saying, “I am doing,” because when you give something a true all-out effort, you will achieve your task. The term "I'm trying" won't need to be said . Exception: I am trying to set a world speed record but I keep coming up seconds short. OK, you can say "I'm trying."

3. "I am waiting for/after" - For what? You can't wait. And “after” what and why? Here’s a thought - how about now!! I will start "after"… my kids are in school/the first of the year/my friends’ wedding/the summer. Why can't you get started now, then you will have a head start to whenever "after" will occur. "I am waiting" for someone to call me back/until my friend can join me/to hear back from an employer /until I can join a gym. Do not wait on anyone or anything. This is just a procrastination technique. There is no perfect time. If you are waiting for something that's important to you, you will either follow up or get started on your own. Human nature proves that when we want something bad enough; we react, we do not wait. Lose the term “I am waiting” from your vocabulary, and you will be surprised how fast you can move forward when you are not standing around – and waiting.

Matt Espeut has worked as a personal trainer for almost 20 years with clients ranging in age from 14 to 86. His focus is on overall health, strength, and functional conditioning. Holistic health and nutrition is the cornerstone of all his programs. Matt works in private and small group training available at your home or office location or at gym facilities. Matt offers his services to everyone wanting to be more fit and healthy, overweight young people, youth/collegiate athletes, and seniors. Matt has worked and continues to train at several facilities in the Providence area including Gold's Gym and CORE Studio, and he believes continued education is a must in his field. Email Matt: [email protected], check out his website at http://www.fitnessprofiles.net or on Facebook at Matt Espeut or on Twitter @MattEspeut.

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