Sometimes It Is Just About Showing Up

Have you ever noticed how some days you just are not motivationally eager to train?  This experience underscored a crucial lesson about consistency in training: showing up isn’t always about peak performance or having unwavering enthusiasm. It’s a recognition that presence is the first step toward progress. On days when motivation wanes and energy dips, the act of showing up—stepping into the gym, starting a run, or attending a class—becomes a victory in itself. It’s about acknowledging that not every day will feel the same, and that’s perfectly okay.

There are moments when we might feel like we’re just going through the motions, barely pushing through a routine. Yet, these moments are just as important as the days filled with energy and vitality. Being a body in a room, even when we’re not at 100%, maintains the rhythm of our routine and keeps the pathway to improvement open. It’s about giving ourselves permission to have off days, understanding that they are part of a larger journey of fitness and health.

This approach shifts the focus from sporadic, intense efforts to a more sustainable, gentle persistence. It builds mental resilience as we learn to commit to our goals regardless of transient feelings or external conditions. Over time, this steady dedication not only keeps us engaged but also cultivates a habit that shapes our long-term success and well-being. This habit is called discipline. 

There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather

This idea comes straight from my son’s bush kinder, where they boldly claim, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices.” It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply when I get ready to train or work (i.e., be in the gym). Preparing for the weather conditions with the right gear can turn what feels like an insurmountable barrier into just another manageable step. So, layer up, choose your fabrics wisely, wear a beanie and gloves and embrace the elements as part of the journey. I often remind myself how easy it is going to be once the weather warms up.

Strive for Consistency Over Perfection

As someone who has navigated the highs and lows of fitness, I’ve learned that consistency trumps perfection. There will be days when your body and mind are perfectly synchronised and others when you feel like you’re dragging your feet. But each small step is a building block in your fitness journey. Looking back, you might marvel at how much stronger you’ve become, not recalling a specific workout but a series of moments where you chose to keep going. One day, you’ll look in the mirror, surprised and proud, wondering, “When did I get so strong?”