Articles
Secrets of Success
Since our very first day, Defining Eve has believed that helping women achieve improved health through physical fitness is a noble goal. Frustratingly, some women have succeeded in reaching their goals and some havn’t Since we believe that you achieving your health goal is the most important thing we do (having fun doing it is a strong second), understanding why is a big deal for us. Some say there are "secrets of success", but we know that there are no secrets at all - just markers that help spur you along on your journey. We encourage you to revisit these milestones periodically to keep you challenged and, yes, even inspired.
Successful people own their goals
Defining Eve's personal trainers are energetic, highly trained fitness professionals and we are there for you every step of the way. Walk through the door and into one of our studios and we will offer you guidance, encouragement, equipment and everything else we know you need to succeed, with one exception - commitment. No matter what expertise we provide you with, your journey is ultimately your own. Nothing and no-one other than yourself can make you realize your goals.
Successful people are dedicated to the task
You know about the turtle and the hare and you know who won the race. It isn't about spurts of excitement or getting that new exercise outfit. Each day is about getting out there and doing what you know you need to do. Taking that next step or doing one more crunch is frequently the very last thing on your list of exciting things, but think always of the goal – your goal – and do it. And do it again tomorrow. You could blame legitimate highs and lows on physiology and hormones every 5 weeks, but for the rest of the time the ticket is discipline, pure and simple. Exercise and healthy eating are close cousins in your journey, and every day takes will power, character, persistence, commitment and patience.
Successful people are patient
Confucius said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; how right he was. There have been many days already in your journey when you could have taken the easy route – when you could have decided to not do your exercises today. You may even have given in a time or two but today is no time to wallow in regret. Be realistic, there will be times when that extra piece of dessert is just waaaay too tempting, but exceptions are just that and going the course will get you that long-term goal of real health. Take it one day at a time, forgive yourself for being human, and never give up.
Stay positive! We all have setbacks. We all experience failure. This is an inevitable part of the journey. Learn to put these into perspective. They are not roadblocks - they are obstacles we can overcome!
Successful people believe in themselves
Okay, time to be honest with you; it is 12:36 A.M. and the deadline for delivering this article is tomorrow noon. The little voice on my left shoulder tells me to just push out something – anything – that will pass for good wave-the-flag fair. Fortunately, the little voice on my right shoulder has just the perfect thing to say: nothing. That little voice can be silent now, because I've listened to it enough to know exactly what advice I would get if I really needed it – "You know you can do it." And I do know it, because I've been in situations like this many times before. Many have been physical challenges, like running up the stairs from the river valley to the Hotel MacDonald one more time, but even that is more mental than anything. What's the real secret? Know – know from the bottom of who you are – that you are a reasonable person with reasonable goals. Don't stop and don't look around to see what others are doing, because the truth is, your belief in yourself is what they see in every step you take. Celebrate the thrill of achieving your goals!
Bonus Goal: Send me a quick email to alex@definingeve.com about a goal you've achieved since starting with Defining Eve and we'll print it in an upcoming issue.
