The Uphill Battle: Why Achieving a Fitness Goal Is So Hard

Embarking on a fitness journey can be an exhilarating experience filled with hope and motivation. You set a goal, create a workout plan, and promise yourself that this time you’ll stick to it. However, as the days turn into weeks and months, many people find themselves struggling to stay on track. The question that lingers is why achieving a fitness goal is so hard? As Tom Hanks said, “If it were easy, everybody would do it. Hard is what makes it great.”-

Unrealistic Expectations

One of the primary reasons why achieving a fitness goal can be so difficult is the setting of unrealistic expectations. Often, individuals set goals that are too ambitious or expect quick results. When they don’t see immediate changes, it’s easy to become discouraged and give up. It’s important to remember that fitness is a journey, not a destination. Realistic, attainable goals and a long-term mindset is key to staying motivated. You didn’t put on 10lbs in a week and you’re definitely not going to lose it in a week. 

Lack of Consistency

Consistency is the cornerstone of a fitness routine, yet it’s where many people stumble. Sticking to a workout routine and maintaining a balanced diet requires discipline and commitment. Life can throw curveballs and making it challenging to stay consistent. But it’s during these times that determination and adaptability are crucial. Even if you only have 50% to give on a certain day, showing up is everything.  Showing up creates habits and these habits will help you achieve your fitness goal.

Overwhelm and Information Overload

The fitness industry is flooded with information, from workout plans and diet trends to supplements and equipment. This overwhelming amount of information can make it hard to determine what’s right for you. Additionally, trying to implement too many changes at once can be daunting and counterproductive. To overcome this, start small, seek guidance from reliable sources, and gradually build your fitness knowledge.

Lack of Patience

In our fast-paced world, patience has become a rare virtue. People often expect quick results and are discouraged when they don’t see them. Fitness progress can be slow and incremental, but each small step counts. It’s crucial to understand that long-lasting change takes time and patience.  Stick to it and it will happen.

Lack of Accountability

Accountability is a powerful motivator in achieving fitness goals. Without it, it’s easier to make excuses and skip workouts or indulge in unhealthy eating habits. Finding an accountability partner, joining fitness groups, hiring a trainer or tracking your progress can help you stay on course and motivated. Put your workouts in your calendar and act as if they are work meetings.

Achieving a fitness goal is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, but understanding the reasons behind the difficulty can help you overcome them. Realistic goal-setting, consistency, patience, and accountability are key elements in making your fitness journey more manageable. Remember that the path to fitness is filled with obstacles, but with dedication and resilience, you can conquer them. It will make you so proud of yourself that you will wonder why it took you so long to start.

“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”- Thomas Jefferson