Failure

I failed miserably lately BUT, here are the lessons I learned...

Let me back up a bit.  Back in August 2021 I started a program called 75Hard and as you guessed, it’s damn hard y’all.  It’s a physical and mental program to condition you to become resilient and disciplined.  It took a lot of determination. I lost my dad on day 23 of the program and was hell bent on making it to day 75, and did.  I promptly cried like a baby once I had completed it because I felt so proud of how I showed up during one of the darkest periods of my life.

Compromise compounds quickly

Fast forward a few months later and I started compromising.  Instead of eating clean every day of the week, which is part of the program, I “cheated” on a Friday. Instead of working out twice a day each day I started skipping my second work out. It wasn’t anything big that happened at once, it was small little seemingly insignificant compromises that compounded quickly and before I knew it, I was off course. Isn’t it true, that we don’t put on 50lbs in a week, it’s the small habits and compromises we make and don’t even notice until we’re up four jean sizes! I learned the lesson the hard way that the compromises compound quickly.

Compromise corrodes self confidence

The next major lesson I learned was that compromise corrodes self confidence.  I would write in my journal each morning that I would complete two workouts. At the end of about half of the days, I would look and realize that I had let myself down. I didn’t follow through. I didn’t keep the promise I made to myself, and I felt crappy about it! Every time I neglected myself, I chipped away at my self confidence and every time you put yourself on the back burner and you ignore the promises you make to yourself.

Take action to change

Here’s what’s important, I recognized that I needed to get back on track. I was sick of beating myself up for missing the mark and I took action and started living in a disciplined way again.

There’s freedom in discipline

I was reminded that while it seems counterintuitive, there’s immense freedom in discipline. While the “LIVE HARD” lifestyle isn’t for everyone, I know that for me, I need the structure and discipline to feel good about myself. I need to be challenging myself and stretching my abilities and keeping promises to feel confident each day. A structured day, month and year brings out the best in me and I can serve everyone around me at the highest level when I’m disciplined. Yes, being off track felt “easy” and comfortable for a little while but it quickly gave me anxiety because I believe that we’re uneasy when we know we’re living below our potential.

It’s not too late – start today

Like me, you are not too far off your goal or dream to get recommitted. We all fall and the most important move you can make today is in yourself and getting back on track.  What is one move you will make that will tell yourself you deserve it? Without reflection on the lessons, and acting on what we know we must do, we stay stuck.