The Secret of Getting Ahead
Posted on January 1, 2012 | 2 comments
[as seen in the Oxford Review December 31st, 2011]
The word January comes to us from Roman mythology and means a doorway to the new year. The Roman god Janus had two faces: one which looked backward and one which looked forward. The 1st day of January gives us just that – an opportunity to look back at the year just finished and an fresh look a future yet unspent.
New Years Day is a time for new beginnings. A bold and fresh look into the future of possibilities. It is time to make something happen this year. It is time to fulfill your desires and dreams. It is time to think about Mark Twain.
It was Twain who said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Now read that quote again. Then read it again. And again.
Choose only one thing this year that you will commit to getting started on. Choose one thing this year that you will see through for the entire year. When you are trying to loose weight or go to the gym, getting started means doing it day-in and day-out all year long. Losing weight and getting fit are the culmination of many hours of sweat equity. There is no shortcut. Don’t listen to any of the infomercials. They lie.
The important thing about getting started is gaining momentum towards your goals. There is not much that compares to feeling the energy and sizzle of new beginnings. If you’ve wanted to lose weight and get into amazing shape, why not use the energy of this moment to your advantage?
Momentum is one of the most underrated factors in achieving a better body. It can give you what you need to start an exercise program, stick with it and reap major rewards. The hardest part is always getting started. But once you begin, once you start losing the pounds, once you get going at the gym, you will be noticeably harder to derail. You will be taking the first steps to actually making a permanent lifestyle change. You will look and feel so much better than you ever thought possible. Trust me I know!
I want you to get excited! As you know, it’s very easy to do something when you feel excited about it. Learn to use this excitement to your advantage and allow it motivate you to even greater heights.
When you consider the world of possibilities there are just so many things to get excited about. Running groups, fitness classes, Zumba, yoga, and Highland Bootcamps (my very own bootcamp) to name a few. It can be scary getting started, but it is oh-so worth it when you stick it out. The pride and power that goes with accomplishment, and a job well done, makes an impact not only on your own sense-of-self, but also on those around you.
You must keep in mind that the initial excitement does wear off eventually. The big secret of everything in life is just sticking to your program whatever it is. That honestly IS the big secret, the magic bullet, the pill, the easy way, the shortcut to getting ahead – get started and stick with it!!
Blessings. Remember – Eat Well. Exercise Hard. And Smile.
Love it Dave!
I just setup the treadmill we talked about so many months ago. Scott is down and we started the year off with a fantastic workout – and youve got it dead right – its all about starting. Every time.
Anytime Ive progressed, its because I was good at starting over and over.
Thanks for the great article!
Thanks for the comment Travis. I found this to be true in my own life and it did help me overcome my problem with procrastination. Actually, it was Sonia who first introduced me to the concept. Cheers!