The 5 Barriers that Stop Progress and how to Combat it.
Barrier 1: Vacations
The first barrier we’re going to review is vacations. I’ve seen it over and over again during the holiday season. People will go on vacation and when they get back home, they are still on vacation. For some reason, their routine has magically changed or it’s hard to get motivated and they can’t spark the desire to workout again.
I’ve noticed that people who are most successful with this, are the ones who stay active during their vacation. Of course they enjoy themselves, but they developed a lifestyle that makes them feel GOOD and they would like to keep it that way.
Barrier 2 & 3: Sickness and Injuries
These next two barriers are a little tricky and have been a challenge for me in the past. I’m putting these two together because they are very similar. One is getting sick and the other is being injured. So for both of these there is a time and place for recovery. I tell anyone who is sick to stay home because you’ll get others sick and you will probably get even more sick. It’s the same thing when it comes to an injury, if you try to push through the pain then you’re going to prolong your recovery.
The best tool to bounce back from being sick and injured is to ease into it. It’s not a damn competition so there is no need to go 100% your first week or weeks back. Be ok with changing your goals temporarily and focus on something that you’re not as good at.
Barrier 4: Work
The 4th barrier might come as a little bit of a shock, but it’s work. About half of the people that we train, when they first come into Latitude 32 Fitness are way over worked and way under prioritizing themselves. I know it’s easy to get caught up ,but remember, if you’re not happy with how you feel, then that’s going to transfer over into your work space. People tend to be burnt out, over stressed, under sleeping and even under eating. If there is not a balance then you are digging yourself into a deeper hole.
There is a client who owns his own business and he told me something that really resonated with me. He said, “I’m here to feel good, look good and work good.” The man is one of the most successful and hardest working members in and outside of the gym, which is not a coincidence.
Barrier 5: Under Prioritizing Yourself
Lastly, one of the largest barriers, that gets in the way of staying consistent is under prioritizing yourself and a over committed schedule. I need to say that family and your kids come first, but over committed parents need to make time for themselves.
Of course there are circumstances that are uncontrollable, such as when your child gets sick or has to go to the dentist. But making a game plan and having a fall back strategy can make it a lot easier to be consistent towards your goals.
Remember that you are a direct example to your children on how a grown adult should act. Do you do what you say you’re going to do? Are you the type of person that sets goals? Do you eat your vegetables? Are you honestly trying to be the best version of yourself? Do you give up easily or do you put your head down and make a decision that it’s impossible to fail?
Your kids are everything to you. They are your world. But, don’t let them think that when they are an adult, they can stop growing. Lead and teach by example.