The First Step Is The Hardest

 Since my treadmill broke, I have had a tough time consistently working out in the morning.   It’s not that I never work out anymore.  I have made the conscious effort to do it.  I have worked out in the morning and I have gotten in steps in the evening.  At times, I have even done more…but it’s not consistent.  It’s not a part of my morning routine.  And I was trying to figure out why. Knowledge:  I mean, I know I need to do it.  Intellectually, I know it makes me healthier and it makes me feel better all day.  I have the knowledge that it needs to happen.  I even know how to get it done. Options:  In addition, there are plenty of other options.  I could walk outside.  Though I don’t like the cold temperatures, I could certainly do it.  I could go for a run.  I could go to a local facility called Kids America and walk around the track.  In addition, I have a DVD routine called P90X3.  I even kind of like that workout routine!   So while I know I should do it, and I know how to do it, I am struggling to make it happen!  It comes down to two reasons for me. The First Step:  While I know I need to workout, and I even like the workout, I do know it will be hard!  P90X3 is a pretty intense program.  So while I can do it in my basement, I need to get myself to go to my basement to get started.  Once I am in the basement, no problem.  It’s getting myself from upstairs to downstairs.  It’s simple…but not easy.  So many mornings, it’s just easier to hit the snooze button or decide to do it later.  It’s the first steps to go down the stairs that trip me up. No Routine:  This is the power of a routine (and why I talk about them a lot).  When the treadmill was there, I had a routine.  I did not have to think about it.  It had become a part of my morning.  I did not have to “make a decision” each morning to work out.  And since I did not have to burn mental calories, I almost always found myself on the treadmill. That is why I talk a lot about creating positive routines in our lives.  If we create them intentionally, then our subconscious mind can steer us (on autopilot) the direction we want to go.   “Great,” you might be thinking.  “But what if I don’t have a routine now?”  It’s time to start creating one.  We all have routines in our lives.  Most of the time, though, they are unintentional.  So now is a great time to start creating a positive routine, on purpose.  If you want a great book to help you get started, check out the “The 5 Second Rule,” by Mel Robbins. So regardless of what you want to create in your life, start to work toward it today.  It can happen, one small decision at a time.  As for me, I need to go work out. Make sure you never miss an update.  Sign up to be a VIP today.  You can sign up here.