This morning I didn’t want to get up for my 5 a.m. fitness session. I whined to myself about sore knees and arms and my favorite excuse, “I’m not young; I need extra time to recover from strenuous workouts.”
I’d signed up for three sessions a week and hadn’t missed any so I decided to show up. But I wouldn’t give it 100%.
Once I was surrounded by a roomful of motivated women and a white board filled with sit ups, pull ups, pushups, squats, etc., to complete, I forgot about the aches and got down to business.
Sixty minutes later on the drive home, I felt satisfied that I’d given my all and was proud of the progress I’ve made since beginning the workouts a few months ago. Every muscle in my body has gotten stronger and that means I can do more of everything I love. I have more energy throughout the day and I’m healthier. A huge payoff.
What does this have to do with writing? I thought, why not give my writing activities the same effort and commitment? Why not push it farther than I thought I could go? And, most importantly, why not do it without all the whining?
Lesson learned?
Sometimes you can surprise yourself by just showing up. Something extra might kick in and you’ll end up giving 100%.
Doing push ups in Half Moon Bay, CA
Linda Townsdin 
The key word here is ‘Whining’ – The destroyer of worlds. You did well. Have a glass of wine.
Thank you! I like your definition of whining. So true.
Great message! I don’t think we push ourselves enough. With a little nudge now and then and we all might get more accomplished. I think I’ll open the Rosetta Spanish box today 🙂
Hi Laura, Thanks for commenting. Good luck with learning Spanish!
I might be on the younger end of the scale, but I still whine to myself that I don’t have time to complete my workouts because I could be studying instead. Once I get my butt to the gym, it’s all fine – the struggle, like you say, is dragging yourself out and about. Good luck! Glad to see it’s worth it!
Hi Lauren, It’s so worth it! And great that you’re starting the good habits now!
Opening things is a brilliant idea: think I’ll break open the Clos du Cheval Blanc. Cheers.
Wow — you are truly an inspiration! Thanks!
This is so true. Sometimes if you just make certain you show up, for exercise or writing, then the magic happens. And you never regret it. Thanks for helping me to remember that.
Hi Jennifer, Good luck on your writing projects. I tried commenting on your piece about your novel, but couldn’t find a comment box. It’s so true, there are so many ways we can be distracted, by huge life events and small details, but the key is to always get back to the writing whenever we can.
Thank you. I’m beginning to get into a good momentum recently, which is encouraging for a procrastinator like me. No more excuses! That is my new motto.
(Of course, I went looking for the comment box, and it is there, you have to scroll down quite a bit to find it. :))
Inspiring! Well done.
I find I write more if I tell myself, right want 2 hours solid writing then you can go do something you want! Lol it works for me x
Whatever works! Thanks for commenting.
Quite right! That’s why Nike chose “Just do it!” as their tag line. The resulting feelings of accomplishment far outweigh the pain of getting started.
Awesome, good for you!! I can’t wait to start the bootcamp in my town and I can’t wait to see Amanda’s success unfold in Hawaii 😀
Hi Brit! You are going to be so great at Kaia. Enjoy! Yes, I’m so proud of her. She’s a natural. 🙂
Very motivational. I think of this the next time I say, “I’m too tire.”
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the “Liebster Award”. You can get all the details here:
http://jenniferkellandperry.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/the-liebster-award-and-sharing-the-love/
All the best. Jennifer x
Hi Jennifer, Thank you so much!