Tampa Personal Trainer – Overcoming Obstacles!

Hello friends!
I am very excited to be posting again on the Mind & Body Blog.. I have been maintaining a lot of focus on my YouTube page – posting daily videos so be sure to check that out too!
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/aapfitness
Please subscribe as I post informative videos pretty often.

I wanted to take a moment out to blog about OBSTACLES! We ALL have em! Obstacles can cause one of two things to happen.
Either they cause us to be more driven and focused on our goals (these individuals who are very strong-minded) OR they can pull us further away from our goals eventually causing failure for those who succumb.

Now, there are several ways to look at this but with me being “the glass is half full” type I choose to look at obstacles in this way:
They are an essential! Yes, I know that most would disagree and wish for an obstacle free world but it is simply not realistic. These crazy little things called Obstacles are actually an opportunity to strengthen our will power, our drive and our dedication to a goal! Without Obstacles – there is nothing to overcome. When you overcome you achieve!
When I started on my weightless journey I was faced with obstacles almost every single day. There were times that I remember feeling so weak and ready to give in yet, I kept my focus on what I so badly wanted and that was to reach my goals.

You see, sometimes giving in to obstacles causes a TEMPORARY pleasure (perhaps you indulge in that piece of dessert that you should not have) yet, when you are done… your left with the feelings of guilt and frustration. You are also one step further from your ultimate desire and that is to ACHIEVE the reaching of your goals!
So there is really only ONE question to ask yourself when you are faced with an “O”. Is it worth it?

Now, I would like to put out some things to be on the look out for. No matter what your particular goal is (it does not just have to be weight loss) you should be aware of these things and on the look out. The more prepared you are – the better you will be able to face the “O” head on!

**Be aware of your weaknesses and practice staying away from these until you have strengthened your will power and ability to overcome.
Example – do you like alcohol?? Perhaps you should consider not keeping it in the house and staying our of bars and night scenes for a while.
If you are faced with these instances, have your ammunition ready! Study your goals intensely and know all of the reasons WHY it is important for you not to give in.

**Be prepared for the “F’s” – that is friends and family! While WELL meaning – they are often the biggest cause of second guessing yourself, obstacle creation and frustration within reaching your goals. Sometimes GUILT is used.
**”Why don’t you want to eat your favorite BLAH BLAH BLAH I always make you? You will hurt my feelings”
**”Why don’t we just skip your diet tonight? Lets go out to eat instead”
**Do note that there are restaurants that you CAN eat out and do so in a healthy fashion BUT if the choice of venue is not good – come prepared (with your own food that is!)
This is something that I speak on frequently as part of the AAP Fitness program.
“You don’t need to do this tonight. Just come drink and eat with us like normal people”
“Why do you have to go to the gym tomorrow? I wanted to hang out with you”

The list of potential RED FLAGS could go on for pages. You get the point. These obstacles become opportunities for you to verbalize WHAT it is you’re doing and WHY it is important. However, just as a child prepares for a test so must you prepare and study WHAT IT IS YOUR DOING AND WHY.

For example I have always been into reading motivational/self-help books and I suppose this prepared me in a unique way for my journey but I was so focused on my goals. I had them written in a journal in detail. I used to visualize how I wanted to look and feel and ACT. I had a dream board. I had a magazine cutout of the physique I was striving for and the list goes on. When someone asked me “WHY” I was fully present and ready to tell them both WHAT and WHY!
The point is – you can’t just begin. You need to have a one to one with yourself on your reasons and your motivations. THESE will be your soldiers against obstacles!!

I hope that this has helped you in some way if you are struggling with the big “O’s” of life. You have the ability to achieve ALL that you desire in this world. It takes being focused, strong and dedicated. Also, surrounding yourself with those who want to build you up and encourage you. Not the opposite.

Here is to you knocking out your goals!! More practical blog postings will be coming soon!
In the meantime – please feel free to post comments or questions, I am always here… ready to help!
In health,
Ash

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