That pretty much sums up my runs with Natalie. She's been training me,
going on these past couple of years now and we've been running on
weekends for the past year or so. Now to be honest I'd say she probably does most of the
talking because let's face it, it's hard to keep pace with someone over
20 years your junior but I do get a word in there from time to time. Our conversations typically fall on the philosophical, on how we approach fitness, pursing goals, finding inspiration and exercising our motivations. For me running isn't about losing weight nor is fitness training about trying to look good or be able to fit into a certain pair of jeans. Of course the immediate byproduct of working out is achieving or maintaining a certain fitness level. But much deeper than that it's a knowing that you are in control of your own life, even if it's just that one hour each day as you slave away on the machines. It's a time where YOU set the expectations for your life. Bosses, colleagues, kids, spouses, significant others, family and friends all set expectations for you every day and if you're like me you find yourself struggling to live up to those standards. But through inspiration and motivation you can and will achieve those things that matter most to you.
Speaking of which, inspiration and motivation have always been a hot topic for me. Too many of us confuse the two, making such comments like "I need you to motivate me." You need to understand the difference between the two. Inspiration is an event we observer or experience that calls to a deeper part of us. Motivation, on the other hand, is something we create within ourselves. We are inspired by events or the actions of others. Motivation is that inner voice, energized by those moments of inspiration, that compels us to move forward even when we feel we want to stop.
Inspiration is bountiful. Every where you look there are tales of inspiration, of how someone decided to make a change, to do something better for themselves or others. And these aren't necessarily grand tales such as someone climbing Mt. Everest or completing an Ironman triathlon. Some stories are as simple as a person making a commitment to getting healthy, finishing high school, starting up a business or ending a toxic relationship. Any of those events could and should light a fire within you. They're tales of average people that took charge of their lives which begs the question, why not you?
Motivation is a bit tricky. As I said it's your inner voice, your own personal Drill Sergeant that pushes you through life's obstacles. Now if you're waiting to be motivated then I'm sorry to say you'll be waiting around for a long time. We all need a little kick in the pants now and then but if you're expecting someone else to push and prod you every step of the way then I'd say you're sorely lacking not just motivation but ambition as well as self-respect. Motivation implies taking the initiative, whether that means following the exercise regimen without your trainer pushing you or calling the admissions office for an application or walking into the shop with the "Help Wanted" sign in the window. You do all those things on your own not because you have to but because you WANT to. There's no one standing there cheering you on, nor should there be. This is about you and what matters to you.
It takes some courage and intestinal fortitude to move yourself forward through life. Putting that responsibility on someone else is, well, chicken shit. Own it, people. Own your own life. Be in charge of YOU! Trust me, the gratification you'll feel from doing that will overwhelm you.
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