Finish What You Started

I'm a self proclaimed "Serial Quitter."  I became an expert at quitting.  I quit a wide variety of things, but most often it involved my health and fitness.  I was great at starting.  Day one was always fantastic!  I would start with drive and determination to see it through.   I would prepare myself with the latest program or gadget to insure success.  Sometimes my determination would last for a few days, sometimes it would be a few weeks, but inevitably it would get hard or I would lose interest and decide this just wasn't for me.  There had to be something else out there that would suit my needs and help me see faster results.

I was looking for instant gratification.  Years of poor choices brought me to the place where I felt the need to change.  A few tough workouts and tracking points for a week were not going to be enough to reach my goal.  I had to figure out how to stop quitting and finish what I started.

I was listening to a podcast by Chalene Johnson and she shared a few tips on this very subject.

1.  Be more selective.  What things really make sense to start?  Is this the right time to start this project?

2.  How much time will this really take?  How interested am I going to be with this in the long term?

3.  Give yourself short term objectives.  We like the way we feel when we start something.  Create shorter term objectives to create the same feeling.

4.  Stop being a jumper!  You know when you start things you're going to jump.  JUST STOP!  Just finish what you started!  When you're honest with yourself you can stop blaming others.  It wasn't that the program isn't right for you.  The truth is...you jumped!  You quit early.

5.  Have accountability.  Give people permission to call you out.  Put a fortress around your focus.

6.  Know your triggers (food, alcohol, distractions, people, etc.) and steer clear of them.

7.  Put yourself on the priority list.  Make taking care of yourself a non-negotiable part of your day.

There are no shortcuts on a journey worth taking.  The only secret is to keep going!

I'm now a "reformed quitter."  I still struggle with jumping sometimes, but I've found a formula that works for me.  Fitness, balanced nutrition and accountability.  I will not quit!

If you struggle in this area of your life and would like some support along the way, reach out to me at sueharkerfitness@gmail.com.

Together we are stronger!

Sue