We want, and deserve, results from our hard work.
When we go to the gym consistently, get stronger, and eat well, we want to see the results immediately. And quick results isn’t enough; we want to reach our main goal as soon as possible.
“How quickly can I go from where I am to where I want to be?” we ask.
It’s a valid question and one we all ask whether we’re trying to lose fat, buy a house, finish school, get out of debt, or break free from binge eating. We want to go from Point A to Point B in the shortest time possible.
But, and this is really the important part — The journey is the destination.
“Are we there yet?” Yes, this is the phrase we’ve all uttered, especially during a long car ride. But, it’s also what we think on our own health and fitness journeys.
Whether we’re striving to lose fat, get crazy strong, or just look better in our favorite pair of jeans, we want to reach the final destination as quickly as possible.
“Once I reach [insert your goal] then I’ll be happy,” we exclaim.
Ideally we could push the fast-forward button on the whole “eat well and train consistently” story line and get to the ending.
But if that’s how we truly think, we’ve missed the point entirely. The journey IS the destination.
The journey is where we learn, grow, mature, and become stronger, more awesome versions of ourselves. The journey is the most important part.
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination; happiness is to be found along the way not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it’s too late. The time for happiness is today not tomorrow.”
~Paul H Dunn
“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”
~Greg Anderson
So instead of trying to reach our goals as quickly as possible, we need to make it a priority to enjoy the journey itself by immersing ourselves in the process, and to make the most of every opportunity.
Instead of asking, “How fast can I get through this?” we need to be asking, “How can I make the most of every single day and become a stronger, more awesome version of myself as I get closer to my goals?”
And we especially need to celebrate whenever possible.
We’re so quick to beat ourselves up if we overeat a bit or miss a workout, but we don’t take the time to relish in our victories and mediate on the amazing things we’ve accomplished.
That’s the complete opposite of what we should be doing. If we eat a bit too much or miss a workout, we need to forget about it and move on. And when we eat foods that make us feel great and get stronger in the gym, we should acknowledge those incredible accomplishments, celebrate, and be proud of them.
So how can YOU enjoy the journey instead of focusing too much on the end goal?
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to shed body fat, build a freaky strong deadlift, or reach another strength goal, you can apply the following tips.
For one, ditch rapid fat loss and quick-fix methods. They do more harm than good.
Other than that:
- Enjoy every meal you eat. Eat foods that taste good and make you feel great.
- Be present during your next workout, and pay attention to every set of every exercise you perform. Be proud of your physical abilities.
- Say some kind things to yourself throughout the day. Always make it a point to compliment yourself; never say negative things.
- Remember that consistency will always trump perfection.
- Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve already accomplished, and be proud!
Live your life and the journey to build a stronger, healthier, more functional body one day at a time.
And enjoy the journey, my friend, because it’s far more important than the end goal.