It doesn’t matter how you exercise. To get fit and stay fit, you need only one trait. You can play a sport, swim, do any number of group exercise programs, be a yogi, do tough mudders, or walk every evening after dinner. You could be the person who routinely takes 70-mile bike rides or you might simply walk a mile every morning. Whatever you’re doing and however you’re doing it, by my definition, you are getting fit and staying fit. But, to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, you must possess one defining characteristic – perseverance.
Perseverance. I love this word. I’ve written it into the dialogue of several plays about history and leadership. It’s a key trait for those who have succeeded – world leaders, inventors, scientists, writers, authors, athletes, and just about anyone who’s done big things. You may be thinking, “I don’t want to rule the world, I just want to get in shape.” Well, you need the key trait of world leaders to do this. Perseverance.
Kids (and some adults) tend to read this word as preserve, which reminds me of making jam during the hot humid summers in Michigan and Kentucky, a task that also takes a certain amount of perseverance. I also like a form of this word, perseverate. I don’t think I came across this word before working with brain injury patients as a physical therapist. In short, many brain injury patients will tend to focus on and repeat (or perseverate on) certain concepts over and over again.
While perseveration can be exhausting for the brain injury patient, their family, and their care team, perseverance can help you get fit and stay fit. It goes by different terms in the fitness world –
- Driven
- Hard Core
- Addicted
All of these terms denote a little bit of the over the top mentality that sometimes leads to injury and burnout. Not always. But sometimes.
I prefer the term perseverance. Persevering person? That’s probably not going to catch on as a successful hashtag. That’s okay. You just need that word in your mindset, not on your social media. Think of it in terms of loyalty to yourself.
In her book, “Girl, Go Wash Your Face”, Rachel Hollis talks about how we are the first people we break our promises to. We follow through on all of our promises to friends and then we let ourselves down. Think about it. Do you show up at a friend’s party that you’d rather not attend? Probably. Do you unfailingly show up for your morning workout to take care of yourself?….maybe.
What helps you persevere? How do you keep your fitness promises to yourself? I’d love to hear from you.
Be loyal to yourself. Persevere. Keep your promises to yourself. Show up and do something. Anything. Walk around the block. Run 26 miles. Lift weights for 5 minutes. Do an hour-long class that kicks your butt. It doesn’t matter how big or small the effort, you know what you need to do. Persevere.
Best, Sarah