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

How to get through a tough workout

You're cruising along in spin class and the instructor tells you to sprint, give all you've got. Do you ever feel like you can't give any more? I love the feeling of working hard (after it's over) but how do you keep going when you really just want to lie down and have someone place chocolate on your tongue?

I either block my mind, concentrate on the beat of the music, count to thirty (and promise myself I'll stop pushing so hard when I hit thirty), or think about how good I'm going to look in my new swimming suit (I can dream big, my brain doesn't know my thighs are 36).

What gets you through the pain of a hard workout?

Don't be afraid of hard work

"The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi

If one of your goal's this year is to lose weight or accomplish something else that is difficult and monumental, I have some advice. Work hard. Mediocre people can accomplish amazing things through hard work. Whatever your dreams or goals you can make them happen if you map out your plan and stick to it.

Often when I want to lose weight I tell myself I can do it, that's it going to be easy because I'm so motivated. But then I lose sight of that motivation and I get depressed and think, "Why am I doing this to myself?" But the truth is, it is not easy to lose weight or accomplish any other worthwhile goal.

Here's my tips for effective weight loss tools that are hard work but will make a difference for life.

1 - Push yourself with cardio - intervals (speeding up and slowing down) burn the highest number of calories. They are also one of the hardest things you can do. But honestly if you're just going through the motions on the elliptical day after day and aren't pushing yourself you're not going to see results.

2 - Variety - Your body gets used to the same cardio, weight-lifting routine, etc. very quickly. Change what you're doing and you'll get past that plateau.

3 - Lift heavier weights. It's been proven time and again that lifting light weights and performing numerous repetitions is ineffective. If you want to see results you have to lift a weight that challenges your muscle within 8-12 reps. Don't worry, you won't bulk up.

4 - Lift slower on the eccentric or lowering phase. Slow down as you lower the weight or lower your body into a squat. The eccentric phase is when you build strength without increasing size which also increases your metabolism.

5 - Don't starve yourself, but do be accountable for what you're eating. Write down what you eat. Focus on veggies, lean proteins, high-fiber carbs, low-fat dairy, fruit for a treat, and loads of water.

6 - Set one goal a month. Make a healthy change into a habit before moving onto another healthy fix. I write a goal a month on my calendar, then when I turn to a new month I'm excited to focus on my new goal.

Good luck with all your goals and keep up the hard work,

Cami