Patience

Patience can be defined as "an ability or willingness to suppress relentlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay" or "quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence." Either definition equates to something not many of us have in abundance.

On a daily basis we want instant gratification. We want phone calls, emails and text messages responded to promptly. We hate waiting in lines at the grocery store, the bank, the stoplight. We want results and we want them quickly. We even want results from changing our eating habits and exercise routines quickly. We want it and we want it NOW!

Unfortunately, many things in life do not happen in an instant regardless of how much money we throw at it or how hard we work for a short period of time. I think one of the keys to success for many things in life is learning to have patience. I can tell you I have to work on my patience every single day. 

With my training, I try to remember all of the things I have learned over the years about training and the physiological changes your body makes in response to exercise and proper eating. I try to remember that these changes take time to occur and it takes a commitment to training to happen. It also takes plenty of rest and recovery to give your body time to make those changes.

Many times we think more is better. We think if we work out more, work out for longer periods of time, and don't take a break, we will see results more quickly. That simply isn't the case. It takes time, patience and a good plan to get the results you want. If you aren't ready to commit the time or have a structured training plan, chances are you won't see the results you want in "30 days" and you will become impatient and quit. 

Change the way you approach the entire situation. Take the time to experience the process. Earn the results you want. The reality is there is no quick fix, magic pill or super cleanse that will get you the race time you want, the washboard abs you crave or a firm bottom. You must put in the work.

Over the years, I have learned to have more patience with my training, but I still have trouble being patient with other aspects of my life. I have so many goals set for myself and I want them NOW! Or, at the very least, I want to feel like I'm working towards them and making progress. I need to remember that, like the time it takes your body to change and respond to training and exercise, my life will take take time to change and respond to the progression towards my goals.

Nothing happens overnight. We don't get results from training and exercise overnight and we don't get results from changes in our life overnight. For both, we need to make a plan, be dedicated to the plan and enjoy the ride. A few tweaks to the plan may be necessary along the way, but eventually, we will reach the goals we seek.

It's the journey and the work we put into achieving our fitness and personal goals that helps us grow.  It's the hard work and dedication that makes us appreciate those goals once we have achieved them. If someone just handed us everything we wanted we would take it for granted. We would not appreciate it.

Be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to persevere. Be diligent. Discover aspects of yourself along the way that you never knew existed. Enjoy the rewards you receive in return.