Motivation Comes From Within

I've learned over the last couple of years that not all people view fitness the same.  The human body and what it can physically do is exciting to me.  I enjoy watching just about any sport that takes strength, determination, vigorous training and all out fatigue to make something great happen.  Ever watched an elite marathon runner finish 26.2 miles in under 2 hours?  Not something just anyone can do!

So, in my search to surround myself with these amazing people and maybe get a little taste of what it's like to the best at something or at least hang with those that are, I stumbled upon a great training gym. With excitement, I sat on the sidelines and watched the machines that are college football players, practice agility, plyometrics, strength and running.  They are here at 11:30 a.m. on a hot summer day.  They are here on their own dime and in addition to the regularly scheduled practices held with the rest of their teammates.

As I sit in awe and admiration, one of the trainers comes over to chat.  We talk about passion for sports and fitness.  His seems to be similar to mine.  I comment, "I guess, everyone here feels the same way?".  To my surprise, he answers "no".  He chuckles at the curious and confused look on my face while pointing to a couple of guys on the field.  "See those two?  They have the ability to play football, the skill to be good at it, but this is just a stepping stone....this is their ticket to an optimistic future.  They are here to play football so they can benefit from scholarships and study medicine, law etc.  They know that doing something now, as hard as it is, will benefit their lives in the future.  They must work as hard if not harder while out on the field to make their visions reality.  Whether they have passion for the sport or not.  Whether they enjoy sprinting, squats and push-ups or not".

As we sat quietly, I have even more admiration for the young men on the field.  They are here, pushing their bodies to the max and then some.  They could show up and only do the minimum to get the job done, but they don't.  These young men, while immature with some of their sideline antics, have made a very mature and wise decision to be here today and give everything they've got.  Nobody else out there is going to make that decision for them.  They have to want it.  You have to want it.  If it's not something you truly want, why show up in the first place?

To all those wanting to achieve a healthy and fit lifestyle, take this time to reevaluate your goals.  How badly do you want them?  Do you want to reach these goals for you or someone else?  Ask yourselves if you've truly committed.  Only you know the answer.