At least once a month or so, I’ve been taking Alyssa on a special daddy/daughter date. We both love this special time together. In the past year, here are some of the things we’ve done:
- Coffee shop like Starbucks
- Park
- Shopping
- Library
- Roller skating
Roller skating is what we did this past weekend. It was Alyssa’s first time on skates. I gave her a little pep talk before we went. I said, “Honey, we are going to have a great time but it’s going to be hard at first. When you’re first learning anything, it’s awkward until you get used to it. Don’t let that stop you from having a great time though.” I was thrilled that she didn’t!
We both had a wonderful time and Alyssa said it was one of her favorite dates. Did she fall? Absolutely, but I was so proud of her as she continued to get back up and keep trying. I had her start off really slow. We went over to the carpet as she got used to having clunky skates on her feet. All she did at first was march in place a bit to gain her balance. Then she glided some. She lost her balance frequently in the beginning but more time began passing between falls as she continued. Before I knew it, she was able to go completely around the center area without falling. Not world class yet but her confidence was improving and she had a smile on her face to show it. She even worked her way up to going on the hard floor, holding my hand. I have no doubt that it won’t be long before she’s skating on the hard floor by herself.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
-Lao Tzu
A lot of our successful clients say that the hardest part was getting started. Once they began to change their habits, they gained momentum. We often get so overwhelmed with what we want to accomplish. We want to lose 10, 20, 30, or more pounds and it seems so daunting. The reality is that the time is going to pass anyway. We might as well start moving in the right direction. The 30 pounds becomes much more manageable when we break it down. People really have to understand the value of patience though. It doesn’t take a week or a month to gain it and it doesn’t take a week or a month to lose it. If you just keep chipping away one pound at a time, eventually you’ll get there.
Towards Pleasure or Away From Pain
Some people are motivated by the fear of pain. I was sitting in front of a wonderful woman on Saturday who has some very real medical concerns. She was explaining that she doesn’t want to play the “victim” role as she gets older depending on other people for things. She wants to take responsibility now and do what she can in order to have a better life later.
Others are moved by the idea of something better. They want to experience positive change. And not just physical change. They want to engage with life more. They know that life is for LIVING.
What motivates you? I think it’s important to know. It’ll help keep you going when the going gets tough. Here are some things that move me into action when that alarm sounds at 5:30AM!
- My family – I want to be the best version of myself for my family. They need me.
- My potential – One of my biggest fears is not achieving the potential that God has given me. I realize we aren’t guaranteed anything in life.
- People – I know there are people out there that need to be encouraged and inspired. I’m thankful for having been encouraged by people and want to be able to do the same for others.
- My Faith – I believe I’m called to do whatever I do to the best of my ability for a greater purpose.
There are a couple of keys to making it work. The first is action. Nothing happens without action. By not taking action on whatever it is you want, you are making a decision. A decision to stay where you are and not improve.
The other key is guidance. We all need friends, coaches, and mentors in our lives. Don’t let your ego or pride get in the way. I did for years with my book. I thought I could do it on my own. I couldn’t but I failed to realize that for years. It wasn’t until I hired a coach that I was able to achieve my goal.
Billy Hofacker – Owner & Transformation Coach at Total Body Boot Camp – BS, CSCS