Fit for Life: What is the ONE Big Thing You Will do Someday?

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health +Lifestyle Contributor

Matt Espeut

So, I am sitting here on Thanksgiving physically feeling like crap due to the minor knee surgery I had on Tuesday.

I look forward to this holiday every year because it normally brings me a good feeling of gratitude, and I have a few traditions I like to embrace.

The one I DID accomplish, is that I hobbled to the gym on crutches, and with the help and support of my girlfriend and team, I was able to coach one mega workout session.

We get around 50 people in the gym, and the energy is amazing, so I am happy to have accomplished that tradition.

Now I am tired, have no energy or appetite and the last thing I want to do is be around people and be social.

I am still going through my mental list and feeling grateful for everything positive in my life right now, but not feeling my best physically, and not having an appetite on Thanksgiving is kinda bumming me out.

I am not writing this to bring anyone down, because I’ll be fine and get through this, I am writing this as a reminder that we take our health for granted.

At least until it goes away, then we realize that we should cherish every moment that we feel 100% like ourselves.

It’s the same principle with everything else in our lives. We tend to take things for granted until we don’t have them anymore.

Things like money and material things will come and go, but the people in our lives and great health won’t last forever.

I know that I will be back to 100% sooner than later, however, sometimes it takes a moment like this to appreciate and be grateful for everything and everyone we have, while we still have it.

This probably wasn’t the ideal time to go under the knife, but when is a good time to voluntarily knock yourself out of commission for a few days?

Last week I had my members' appreciation party, this week was the holiday and the annual Thanksgiving football game, next week I have an educational workshop, and in January I have a physical event I need to be in top shape for.

With our busy lives, it is NEVER a good time to take yourself out of the game, however, sometimes we need to think beyond the immediate and put ourselves through discomfort in order to get better.

My knee got to the point that I couldn’t sit for more than 20 minutes without experiencing stabbing pain, and when I worked out, I had to modify certain exercises.

Hopefully, that will all be over in a couple of weeks' time. I just need to be patient and trust the process.

Kind of what I preach to people when it comes to their health & fitness.

There is never a convenient time to get started on a program, however, those that do, and take their health seriously, not only find the time to start, but make it part of their daily routine.

I read a great article from a guru I follow named Martian Rooney the other day and he wrote an exact replica of the message I am trying to deliver to you today, so I am going to share his insights.

It goes like this:

Someday is when people say they will START a better diet.

Someday is when they will go back to school.

Someday is when they will pick up that instrument.

Someday is when they will travel and learn languages.

Someday is when they will get back in the gym.

Someday is when they will begin that big project.

Someday is when they will break the addiction.

Someday is when they will say a nice thing to their significant other.

All too often, SOMEDAY is linked to the PERFECT TIME. So many people are waiting until the timing is "right," the money is "there" and the situation is "optimal." NEWSFLASH: You won't find the perfect time on the calendar.

So why not start right NOW and the time just might be PERFECT.

Adding up too many SOMEDAYS can lead to DISASTER in health, career, and relationships.

Spend enough time waiting for someday and you can lose all three.

Don't let the perfect time to start getting healthy be when your health is lost.

Don't let the perfect time to work on a relationship be when it is about to be over.

Don't let the perfect time to start on your career be when you just got fired.

You don't have to be weak to get stronger.

You don't have to be sick to get better.

You don't have to be in trouble to get solutions.

Don't be like everyone else. What are you going to start on today?

I couldn’t have said it any better myself. I kept saying someday about my surgery, but if I kept it up any longer, things most likely would have been worse. Not only would my deductible reset and cost me thousands, I could have done some serious damage that would increase recovery time.

So, I ask you, what is that ONE BIG THING you will someday do, and what are you waiting for?

Because when we put off the important things in our lives, SOMEDAY might never happen.

Committed to your success,

Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitness consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of Fitness Profiles, a one on one, and small group personal training company, as well as Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one.