Does Life Get In The Way?

Does Life Get In The Way? 12/13/2011

A long time ago, an old lifting coach once told me that you can make excuses or you can make progress but you can’t make both. As we progress through our adult lives we allow family, friends, careers and schedules to hinder our ability to get and stay fit.

We’ve all done it. We have office Christmas parties or a friend’s birthday that keeps us away from our workouts. Every time we say we’ll do it tomorrow it gets harder and harder to start again. Let me tell you a story.

Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a man named Gerald Tyler. Gerald was a big man and when I say big, I mean BIG! Tipping the scales at 345 pounds at a mere 6 feet tall, Gerald was a heart attack waiting to happen. He was a traveling salesman so he ate in his car at least 2 meals a day. McDonalds, Burger King, and KFC were staples of his diet.

One day, Gerald was hanging out with some friends and his buddy Bill who had been going to a warehouse gym for about a year asked Gerald if he wanted to get healthy and go to his gym. They offered a free Saturday class. Gerald decided that he had nothing to lose but weight and they headed out that next Saturday.

After one workout, Gerald was hooked. He signed up on the spot and started going three days a week. That day he made a promise to himself that nothing would get in the way of his becoming the best version of himself, NOTHING! So Gerald worked and he worked. After about three months of 3 times a week, one of Gerald’s trainers asked how he was eating. His eating habits hadn’t changed and his body hadn’t either. His diet was still terrible but he was only doing what he knew.

Gerald’s trainer introduced him to the Paleo lifestyle and helped him make simple changes to his eating style. He started packing his food. When he had to choose between going out to dinner with friends or getting up early for a 5 am workout the workout won every time. He made a choice and a promise to himself and he was staying on track no matter what.

The last time I spoke with Gerald (about a year ago) his success was still going. He had dropped over 110 pounds and was training to compete in his first Tough Mudder challenge.

You’re probably asking yourself “what does that have to do with me?” Gerald’s story is one of hope and of perseverance. He didn’t compromise on the promise he made to himself. Gerald made progress, not excuses and his results show because of it. He didn’t allow life to get in the way. He changed his life so health and fitness was his priority.

As we go into the New Year, I challenge you to think of this. Have you truly committed to the goals you’ve set for yourself? Be like Gerald, don’t make excuses make progress!

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