Wednesday, April 28, 2010

On Consistency...

How is it that 'pearls of wisdom' (in the form of words) appear just when you need them? Not that I'm struggling with my training or nutrition plan by any means...BUT, a random thought that pops into your head can take on a life of its own. For example, let's say that all of the sudden an urge to eat something that's not 'on plan' is sounding really good...so the whole internal argument starts...well I've been doing so good that I could have just a little bite or so...in the grand scheme of things, it's not going to hurt me any....SCCCCCCRRRREEECH...CRASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those last two words represented trying to 'stomp on the brakes and putting the thought out of your head, only to be derailed and give into the thought (urge) for that verboten (forbidden) item.

The short of that thought expressed above is to introduce a post on consistency that I found on a blog titled www.figuregirlworld.blogspot.com. Thank YOU--Kari, for letting me post your post below...keep in mind that while it was written from a figure competitor's point of view...you can apply this to whatever endeavor you're aspiring to train for...

Consistency by Kari Keenan

I know the secret to every competitor's success on stage ... it's CONSISTENCY. It's not some fancy training/cardio routine, it's not some complicated diet protocol, it's not the use of illegal substances, it's not some widely touted supplement ... it's just plain hard work and consistency.

Every competitor has a different plan that gets them to the stage. Different combinations of training, cardio, and diet work differently for each person, but the one thing that all winners have in common is a determination to succeed by working hard and by being consistent.

Consistency means sticking to the diet and training plan exactly. No deviations. The plan was written specifically for YOU by a trained professional, so why would you even think to question it? The diet is geared toward YOUR body's responses, so why would ask to substitute something? The entire protocol was developed for YOU to win ... to succeed ... so why wouldn't you follow it?

So many people question why their own methods aren't working, so they hire a trainer or a nutritionist or a coach. But when the professional gives them a customized plan, the person starts asking questions, trying to change it, to fit it to their current lifestyle. That's not how it works! You want to lose fat? Follow the diet! You want to get stronger? Follow the training plan! Simple as that!

But yet, for a lot of people, it's not that simple. Life gets in the way. There are parties to attend that have all kinds of yummy goodness to eat. There are luncheons at work at restaurants. There are events during the usual training time. For some people, these things can be show stoppers - reasons to not follow the diet or to train. What they really are ... are excuses.

They're excuses people give themselves for failing. They're excuses they give themselves so they don't have to take responsibility for not following the plan or making the progress they should have (or would have) made if they'd followed the plan. And then they wonder why they're not losing weight? Or getting stronger? Or getting leaner?

Consistency means holding yourself accountable and taking responsibility for your own actions. It means eating when and what you're supposed to eat. It means not skipping meals. It means not eating anything that's not on the diet plan. It means doing the exercises outlined on the training plan. It means doing the full amount and the kind of cardio at the designated times of day listed on the plan. It means not licking the spoon or the bowl after you make something that's not on your diet. It means drinking the amount of liquids you're supposed to drink each day.

In theory, this seems like such an easy, simple concept. But it's not, because life isn't consistent. That's no excuse for not making the diet and training consistent, though. The trick is making it a priority in your life. It's making your goals a priority.

So next time you find yourself about to lick some cookie batter off a spoon ... or trying to substitute almonds for olive oil ... or thinking about skipping the gym because you have a lot of homework ... or skipping a meal because you have a meeting at work ... or reaching to sample a piece of cake at a party ... think twice.

Think about your goals. Think about being consistent. Then think about being successful, and how good it feels to achieve your fitness goals.


THAT says it all...

Kimmie

3 comments:

  1. Powerful stuff, Kimmie! Thanks for sharing! I love it!

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  2. So needed to hear that! Thanks for being so "real"!!

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  3. Thank you for posting this blog. Very inspiring! I'm tired of the mind battle. I just want to resolve to adhere to the foods that will benefit my body. Tired of excuses. Do not want food to be my God or circumstances to dictate what I eat!

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