Fit-to-Fat-to-Fit Blog: The Discouragers

Goal Weight: 185 lbs.

Current Weight: 199 lbs.

If you are over three years old, you’ve met a discourager. You know who I am talking about; that person who always says or does the wrong thing at the right time. That person who, for whatever reason, makes you doubt yourself and your goal.  They can be well-meaning or they can be honestly out to get you. Either way, they are like a torpedo heading right at your dreams.

A discourager can be a boss, a teacher, a co-worker, a friend, a family member or a total stranger. They have power because you respect them or because of their position of power over you.  There is nothing more devastating than a boss who doesn’t see your worth. Or a loved-one who questions your dream.

Discouragers are real. They are out there. And they are toxic.

When you begin a fitness program, you have enough doubts to begin with. Pain is one of the first things you have to overcome. Your muscles usually aren’t happy when they are chocked full of lactic acid.  And then you have to get past the cognitive discomfort of change. The initial four weeks, the time before you see big changes in your body, you are particularly vulnerable to discouragers.  When you hear someone mock you for getting up early and working out — well that can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Don’t allow that to happen.

I have discouragers in my life. I’ve had bosses who’ve tried to make me quit.  Coaches who did the same. I’ve had teachers who told me I couldn’t write. And people have mocked me for my dedication to fitness.  I can tell you first hand, there is nothing more devastating than when people you look to for motivation are against you.

That’s when you reach inside. Fire up the furnace of motivation. Focus down the road at your ultimate goal.  In the past year, I’ve allowed a particular discourager to make me question my talent.  What a waste of time that was.

If you need someone to believe in what you’re doing, write me.  I’ll believe in you.  And I hope you’ll believe in me back. But if you don’t, it’s OK.  Discouragers have lost all their power over me.

I ran a quick 3:17 miles this morning. My legs are really tired. Tomorrow I’ll run five and then take Saturday off. Sunday will be my long-run day.  It’s supposed to be cooler and less humid.  Praise be to God for that.