People tell me that I'm just young and lucked out with my genetics to get to where I am today. Although that is partly true, I would have to argue that I work my ass off every day. The thing I think people do not realize is the dedication and discipline that I have. I am 21 years old and in college, I should be out having the time of my life partying several nights per week, but my goals and image for my future are different. It would be so easy for me to be like everyone else. I could go out the parties and bars and drink and have a great time and feel horrible the next day. But where is the challenge in that, everyone can do it! I want to be unique and remembered by something different. I have been finding that my passion for fitness is rare, but I hope it can be an inspiration to others. What inspires me the most is seeing people working hard at things that they love. I really don't care how good or bad they are. It is so easy to give up or go back to your old lifestyle, but the people I find most inspiring are those who change their life for the better, and no matter what struggles come along their goal is never out of sight.
I realize I miss out on a lot of things, but my goal is to be the best I can be at CrossFit. If I don't keep working towards my goal all the nights that I went out and partied will start to add up. It is often one of the most difficult things to find a balance between school, CrossFit, and my social life, but this is one year out of my life. Sure, everyone is going to get distracted and want to change things up every now and then. However, I feel that you can try and balance your life, but all the small things you do to keep you from your goals will add up eventually. I find it so hard to stay focused and driven, but I believe it may become easier if you surround yourself with people that want to attain similar goals.
I am curious what motivates you? Is it a person you care about or a person you want to get noticed by? Is it old pictures of yourself that you wish you could look like again? Is fitness a way for you to escape from normal life for short duration each day? Is it a quote or a saying, or even a song?
Here is something to think about, I have had it on my facebook for a while and it's something I always keep in mind when I am ready to say "F THIS!":
"Anyone can give up, its the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength"
Feel free to share your ideas!
Great post Chelsea. I went through your exact situation while attending SCU. You need to find a balance in enjoying college and crossfit. I only say this because I do want to see you enjoy yourself while at school. People will judge you for not partying 2-3 times a week, but the lesson I learned a long time ago when I was addressed with this situation, is people will judge you because they can't do what your doing. They don't have the discipline to do what you do, so they will judge because of their own insecurities. Keep going strong with your goals and everything will come together. But in the mean time have some fun too :)
ReplyDeleteFirst off, there's nothing I can say that you've already said 10 times better haha. You hit the nail right on the head.. i think it's all of those things that keep me motivated- I DO care about my family and want to set an example for them, I DO want to get noticed- by the love of my life hopefully, whoever that ends up being lol-, I DO want to get as ripped as I was back in high school wrestling, and it IS an escape for me from the daily mundane... and at the same time it's so much more than all that, I don't know if I could put it into words. I couldn't even say EXACTLY what motivates me, because I honestly don't know.. I do know that it is a very positive feeling to be passionate about something and realize that the more passion you put into it, the more it gives back to you.. It's a difficult path, but the journey is worth it to me and others like us but everyone has to find their own journey that suits them best.
ReplyDeleteThat said, there are 3 pretty obvious reasons, and many more, why maintaining fitness and a healthy lifestyle is desirable:
1) A good combo of muscle/definition is cool. Always has been, always will be. Makes the opposite sex more attracted to one, and makes the same sex envious... all in all, a great ego boost.
2) Immediate physical side-effects of training hard may include the "pump", an endorphin rush, and/or a hormone boost... all of which feel fantastic.
3) A satisfactory feeling of accomplishment immediately post-workout that can last hours, or even days.
I think a strong passion for health and fitness actually has less to say about how great health and fitness is and more to say about the individuals who have the passion (or are developing it) for it. We aren't any better or worse, just different. Everyone should do exactly what gets them the most joy out of life and for me, that's eating good and grinding a couple hours out in the gym 5 times a week, plus staying active 7 days a week (hikes, sports games, dog park, etc). I like to do shit, and if I become a fat lazy slob, well, that would get in the way of me doing shit.
I do get exactly where you are coming from though, it is VERY hard to stay focused and driven. I find myself often searching the net for examples and heroes I can aspire to be like. The guy who came up with "the boy and the log" story (Kim Allyn) is definitely one of them, along with his good friend dave draper. Draper has a great website with a weekly newsletter full of great quips and inspiration/motivation.. A great writer full of great stories. I think I look up to the IDEA of those old-time bodybuilders in the era just BEFORE arnold and columbo and the other freaks on massive amounts of juice... The guys whose names we'll never know and pictures we'll never see. Just regular dudes with real 9-5 jobs and families, who were strong-as-f*ck badasses that could do cool stuff, lift lots of weight, and had decent definition.
As of late though, I can honestly say that your blog here has been an incredible source of motivation for me. It's been a cool experience to see someone I can actually relate to (same age, similar goals etc) getting after it in the gym and following through with a healthy lifestyle as well. "I have been finding that my passion for fitness is rare"... you are awesome at understatements lol. Just remember to keep the big picture in mind... in my opinion, if someone's thinking is "I have to.." instead of "I get to.." something is off and things should probably be reassessed or tweaked... And i've rambled on long enough, keep doing what you are doing, you ARE an inspirational person, no question about that!
@Health e Centric. Thanks Justin for your comment. I feel like you know exactly where I am coming from, and I had never thought about it but you're absolultely right; I never understood why people would give me a hard time for NOT going out instead of recognizing what I am trying to achieve. but yes I do still have fun!! :)
ReplyDelete@TheUsurper. thanks for your comment. Very thorough and a good response. I feel like you know whats up, being a college student (escpecially at ASU) and trying to focus on health and fitness but never finding people with the same goals. Keep up the good work and I appreciate your comments.
i just typed out such a long comment and accidentally erased it! let's try this again....
ReplyDeletewhen i first tried crossfit style workouts a few years ago, i liked them because they were fun. i didn't have access to bumper plates or a decent pullup bar, but i learned a few lifts and was throwing around kettlebells and doing handstands. i kinda liked that everyone else at my gym was looking at me like i was crazy for working so hard (and making so much noise!). now that i've joined a crossfit box and i have been training consistently, i am motivated because i am strong, and i want to be stronger. and with my primary goal being strength, my body has completely transformed- which is a nice side effect!
i didn't play sports growing up. i was in gymnastics until i was 10 and then tried karate for a few years after that. i wanted to play sports when i was in high school but was scared to try out for anything since i had never played before. i always resented my parents a little for not pushing me to play anything, but now i realize that it's not too late. i'm 27 years old, and i can still be an athlete when it comes to crossfit. that's pretty cool. and trust me, whether you're 21 or 27, people are going to give you crap about not going out and going to bed early.
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ReplyDeleteChelsea, you inspire me all the time! Not only are a great athlete, but you have a lot of heart and I love working out with you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteBTW, the blog kept erasing my post... Strange! Sorry for the multiple posts.
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