Too often we wait for the perfect time with our health and fitness, however, this all-or-nothing thinking very seldom gets us anywhere.

If you are waiting for the perfect time to start eating better, exercise, finally get in shape ... some of these phrases may sound familiar…

My family needs me
There’s too much going on
I’m too old - I’m too tired
When I feel less clumsy in the gym
When I lose 10lbs
Tomorrow - Monday - next week.......

You’ve got an excuse for everything and you’ve been holding on to these excuses for years now and they just roll off the tongue.

We are always waiting for the perfect time, but why?

For some, it helps avoid the real hard work of doing it. For others, avoiding starting can be a protection against any possibility of future embarrassment or failure. We tell ourselves it shouldn’t be this way, everyone else has it easier - but it is the same way for everyone, stop waiting for the right time - time isn't waiting for you.

However, there is a perfect moment - and that is now, because right now is all you ever have.

Start at the beginning

If you’re not taking steps forward, you’re actually moving backwards. Starting means taking action, it means committing to a choice of some kind or another. As long as something is moving, that’s a start. One moment will stack on top of another and before you know it, you’ll have arrived at your destination.

Try these tips to help you start taking action.

1) Revise your expectations. Recognise that there is no perfect time and there never will be. There is only now.

2) Carve out time. Even if it’s imperfect, give yourself permission to make yourself and your fitness and health goals a priority.

3.) Just start. Just do something, anything. Find the smallest possible thing you can do right now and do it.

4.) Expect resistance. This doesn’t mean it won’t work. You only have to get through this moment - which will be the hardest, but it won’t last long.

5.) Get support. Start building your support systems. Whether it’s a friend or family member, workout buddy, or a coach, find someone that will be there for you to offer you support and accountability.

We keep thinking that there’s this perfect time in the future. We think that we’ll be in ideal health, our bank account will be just right etc. The reality is that the future is now. Now is all there is. That’s it.
There are no guarantees for the future. The greatest risk of all?

The risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.

Making change on your own is hard. If it was easy, you would have done it by now. It can be helpful to have some structure around starting something new. Being held accountable for your actions can also lead to greater results.

If you would like some extra support and accountability around your nutrition and fitness why not get in contact with us here at activate.ie.