So, we've all been there - we set ourselves a goal, for example, to get fit before Christmas or for a wedding and lose X kilos... and we start out strong, with full intentions and motivation. Then, something comes out of the blue and knocks us sideways and we fall off the wagon and down the stairs. Right back to square one. And we get up, dust ourselves off, and look at the staircase in front of us and discouragement sets in. Do we try again? Or is it too late? Is it even worth trying?
I've been feeling this lately. First, I had the goal of competing in the National ICN Competition this October. Then, after much indeciveness, my business coach convinced me it wasn't a good idea seeing as I was trying to focus on building my business at the time. So I decided I'd focus on getting strong instead, and a few weeks later, a colleague convinced me to sign up for a novice Powerlifting meet. What a perfect way to set myself a goal of lifting 110kg and work towards that goal on the day. Then of course, once I started the training program, my body shut down from the overload and I couldn't keep it up. I realised maybe I was pushing myself a bit too much. Then of course my relationship fell apart which left me in shambles and not even wanting to get out of bed, let alone lift any weights. I didn't go to work for a whole week and pushed myself to go for walks and do some yoga at least. This week i've gotten back into the gym and started back on my previous program, to ease into it. So essentially i've lost a couple of weeks of training. I've had second thoughts about the Powerlifting Meet and whether it really is a good idea. But, i've realised - I can only do what I can do. It's not the end of the world if I don't reach my goal; but if I do nothing it will definitely not take me any further forward and I may even go backwards. So, I will do what I can, day by day, and wherever I end up, I know I have given it my best shot. And then, I will set a new goal and start to work towards that. Because, goals are to get yourself moving forward. If you aren't moving forward, you're going backwards - so if you fall down, just get back up again, dust yourself off, and keep going. Obstacles and trials come and go, but the true test is not whether you reach the goal - but if you get back up from the fall and keep moving towards it. So keep going!