Thursday, November 29, 2012

Hard Work


"Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." (i)

Genius or any kind of success in life isn't usually based on how smart or talented we are. I'm sure you know many talented or brilliant people who haven't accomplished as much as those who have learned how to work. My sons groan every time I tell them that I'm more proud of how hard they work and how nice they are than how smart they are. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that they do well in school but my oldest has never been in more trouble than when he got a hundred percent on the test and eighty percent on his homework assignment.  

As an adult it's easier to recognize that hard work in and of itself brings satisfaction. When I make the time, I actually enjoy cleaning. I love working hard to produce a new novel. You probably have interests and hobbies that you enjoy, even though they're difficult.

Becoming physically fit is one of those areas that is hard work. Most people exercise because they want a certain result such as weight loss, strength gains, or a more toned appearance. But what if you exercised because you actually liked it? Is that really possible?

It is possible to enjoy exercise, even during a really hard workout. Here's the secret: perception. If you can shift your perception and convince yourself that fitness is enjoyable it can be. I can talk myself into or out of quite a few things. Fitness is one of those areas that I've learned to talk myself into a good attitude. It doesn't work every time, but as I'm running (and wishing I could lay down on the side of the road and call my husband to come get me) I say to myself, "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful." Most of the time my body buys into mind's perception and I feel better.

How do you talk yourself into working out?

(i) Thomas Alva Edison Quotes - http://thinkexist.com/quotation/genius_is-inspiration_and-perspiration/146542.html

2 comments:

  1. Great post, tough to answer. My workout motivations vary. Lately it's been hard to convince myself to put on the running shoes and head out in the cold and the dark. I know I'll feel great after, I'll sleep better, and I'll look better...but at 6am staying warm and getting an extra hour of sleep usually wins, cause I'm a chicken.

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    Replies
    1. I am so with you! I resort to the treadmill and that is torturous. I keep telling my husband we need to move somewhere warmer!

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