I spent the weekend in New Orleans attending a health and fitness convention. I’ll be honest… at first I didn’t really want to go. I considered skipping all the talks planned to just explore New Orleans. I ultimately decided to attend everything the first day, and then see how I felt about going to anything else. I wound up going to every talk and I am really glad that I did. Some of the major things I took away are below and many resonate with me in ways that have nothing to do with fitness:

1. MAKE YOURSELF DO THE HARD THINGS. It is natural to want to avoid doing something that is difficult. It is essentially human nature to take the path of least resistance. However, going through and completing things that are difficult often create the greatest sense of achievement. How do you know what you are capable of physically and otherwise unless you endure something difficult? your true character is born in your challenging moments.
2. DO THE WORK. This could almost be point 1a. To create any real or lasting change a person needs to be willing to do the work. Yes, sometimes this work will be difficult (see #1) but if you are interested in moving forward in any area of your life you need to be willing to WORK HARD.
3. FACE YOUR FEAR. As humans we are afraid of a lot of things. There are so many phobias, most of which I can’t pronounce, that it seems we have become afraid of everything. I think, though, that most folks are afraid of failure and afraid of judgement. I am trying to reframe how I feel about failure. In every situation, we either win, or we learn. And the opportunity to learn and become better (aka failing) offers much more value than if you just win in the first place.
4. FITNESS OFFERS RESULTS THAT FAR EXCEED PHYSICAL TRANSFORMATIONS. I have posted about this before. Sure, it’s great to work your way through a fitness program, compare your before and after photos and have a fantastic new body. Completion of that same program though can also offer results that can’t be seen in before and after photos. In addition to mastering proper form, many also find a new sense of dedication and self-discipline, increased work ethic, mental clarity, a more positive outlook, new friends, etc..
5. YOU’RE GOING TO RUN INTO SOMETHING TOUGHER THAN YOU, AND YOU WILL QUIT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOU. This is your why. Why do you currently or why do you want to commit to being healthy and fit? What makes you get up every day and go to work? What ultimately is your end game? Whether your goal is weight loss, financial security, more energy, or a better relationship with your spouse or family, WHATEVER the goal is really, you will come across obstacles. There will be little voices saying, “Eh maybe I can slack off today” or “This is too hard” or “I can’t do this.” Those voices will win out unless you have something that is pushing you every day. What is your driving force? When you figure out what it is, write it down. Read it every day when you get up. Carry it with you if you need to. Just remember why you are committed to doing whatever it is you are doing. And DON’T GIVE UP. If your why is strong enough you will do almost anything.
6. EVERYONE AROUND DESERVES THE BEST VERSION OF YOU. Whether this is a healthier version, a happier version, a combination of the two or some other “best  version of yourself, the people who love you and those that you love deserve the best version of you. Don’t cheat anyone. I’ve personally lost family members to illness that could have been prevented by living a healthier lifestyle. It is your responsibility to make sure you are doing everything in your power to be the best person you can be.
7. SUCCESS IS HARD WORK, MUNDANE, UNEXCITING, FRUSTRATING, AND DEFEATING. Success is often the result of repeated failure. Despite what we have been lead to believe, success doesn’t happen over night. It is the sum of every seemingly insignificant decision that we make, day in and day out. Too often, we search for the shortcut to success. Instead of making healthy food choices, we would rather take pills that promise to block carbs and fat. Instead of working out we would rather wrap ourselves in plastic with the promise that it will trim us down. If these things worked like they claim to, EVERYONE would be using them and reaching their goals. STOP LOOKING FOR SHORTCUTS. Stay dedicated to your goals, work hard every day, and success will come over time.
8. SHORT TERM PLEASURE CREATES LONG TERM PAIN, SHORT TERM PAIN CREATES LONG TERM PLEASURE. I feel like this one is pretty self-explanatory.
9. IT’S NOT HOW FAST YOU START, BUT HOW LONG YOU LAST. Consistency is key. No, you will not lose 20 lbs in two days. Any goal is achievable, though, if you consistently chip away at it over time. If your goal seems overwhelming and unreachable, break it up into smaller, more achievable short term goals. Just keep going.
10. BELIEF IS YOUR ARMOR. There will be people and things throughout the way that try to convince you that you can’t do whatever it is you have set out to achieve. Believe that you can. Believe that you will. Show everyone that you’re right.

Ultimately, my time in New Orleans did two things for me: It reminded why I am personally dedicated to health and fitness, and renewed my passion for helping other people get healthy and fit. I may not know everything, but I am willing to offer what I do know and to help figure out the answer together if I don’t. I won’t push any program down your throat. I just want those closest to me to experience the benefits of happiness and health, whatever that looks like for you all. If you need me, I’ll be here.