Gaining the right perspective of your health & fitness journey is vital if you want to succeed.

A quote that comes to mind “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take, the time will pass anyway”

Going from being inactive with unhealthy eating habits, the changes we need to make to reach the goals we set for ourselves can feel overwhelming when we first set out on our journey, but getting to your goal without feeling overwhelmed is possible. Once you start implementing those first important steps, the path toward your goal no longer seems as difficult as it once did, and with the right support around you, it can be enjoyable too.

In 2013 we took our first group of clients to trek along razorback ridge. The experience this trek provides is the perfect analogy to the journey we embark on when setting ourselves those big audacious health and fitness goals.

You can read about last years clients experience on the same journey here but this article explains why we challenge them on this trek. It will also help you see why you are feeling overwhelmed right now and what you can do to change those feelings around.

Image 1 (above): In this photo you can see the last peak where our hike was going to take us. This photo doesn’t really do the mammoth peak of this mountain any justice, nor can you see how we had to get there but trust me, looking at this mountain from our starting point made it look almost impossible to climb to the top of. A couple of years earlier, my husband took me on this “walk”. When he pointed out where we were heading, I honestly thought he was joking because the peak he pointed out where we were climbing to looked totally impossible to reach, unless of course you were a goat who climbed up cliffs of insane heights and rough terrain. But step by step, I found this to not be the case!

Sometimes the goals we set may seem almost impossible to achieve, especially if it’s something we’ve never done before or there’s been a long time since we were there and our circumstances have changed. To help you with a better perspective on your health and fitness journey, I want you to remember that setting a goal is an opportunity for you to begin a new journey, experience a greater sense of life and learn more about yourself. What’s not to love about that!

Image 2 (above): This photo was taken from the “track” as we set off on our journey. This peak you can see is not the final peak we are aiming for, this is a massive mountain we have to get over before we can now even see our final destination. Suddenly our journey looks even more challenging than it did before. Just like the goals we set for ourselves, sometimes once we get started we come across hurdles. Suddenly it all seems so much harder than we had imagined but what’s a goal if it doesn’t really challenge you?

To achieve any goal, you need to break it down into stepping stones, it’s only when we do that, that we are able to work our way closer toward it. Like your meals and your training, these are all opportunities to take another step forward. Like our trek, one foot in front of the other, with our goals, we need to focus one step at a time and work hard at it, then move onto the next step. Each correct choice we make is a stepping stone in the right direction. Taking big leaps forward can’t be sustained long term, it’s the small things you do on a daily basis that help you achieve the greatest goals. In this photo you can see the top of a mountain, our first mission to overcome. The next photo will show you what it was like to climb up to the top of this ridge.

Image 3 (above): This cliff face was a tough slog, no doubt about it but the sense of satisfaction once we all got up to the top was such a huge reward. The view we came across was amazing, we felt confident and proud of our achievement so far and we weren’t yet at our destination. This is what it feels like to overcome the first hurdle that presents as you work toward your goal. The view from the bottom was nice but the journey up was liberating. Check out the next photo to see the spectacular view from the top!

Image 4 (above): So here we are now on ‘razorback ridge’, stage two of our journey (or stage two of your goal). There were some really difficult moments on the way up but the reward of getting to the top was well worth the climb. Cast your eyes over to the two huge peaks at the end of the ridge…from where we are sitting on those rocks, that journey looks a little daunting, maybe you wouldn’t set on that journey because it looks so hard? That last peak you can see is what I pointed out in photo 1.

Image 5 (above): This was actually the pathway toward those two huge peaks. It was rocky but it wasn’t as difficult as it looked from afar, so long as we didn’t take the wrong steps. When you set a goal, don’t be put off by how huge and daunting it may seem. Accept the challenge but don’t overwhelm yourself but obsessing over every single thing you need to do. Yes there are a lot of steps that need to be taken to reach your goal but this is another reminder to just focus on what you need to be putting your attention on now and enjoy the experience this change in lifestyle is already bringing you or teaching you about yourself. There are many benefits to be experienced when you implement the steps to reach your goals, like more energy, feeling happier, feeling more confident, strengthening your mind and body. Focus on those things instead of where you want to be.

Image 6 (above): Here is the view from that last peak. That feeling when you reach your goal will have you feeling on top of the world! The journey you travel to reach your goal is so rich and rewarding. The things you learn about yourself as you apply the steps you need to take will teach you how to live more like the person you need to be once you reach your goal and you will feel so proud of yourself for staying focused and putting in the hard work.

Image 7 (above): This photo has been taken on the very top of that mammoth peak in photo 1 and looking back along the track we climbed to get there (that pointy peak in the far background was photo 2). This is why when you achieve your goal, you experience a huge sense of achievement, bubbling over with excitement, confidence and pride. The journey at first seemed almost impossible, but step by step, following the right course you made it!

If you are struggling to reach your goals and in need of the right tools to help you get there, check out our clients before and afters for some inspiration and contact us if you would like more help with your own journey!

Lifestyle change is a journey we specialise in at Assist Personal Training and one that we teach our clients to enjoy. Hopefully this has helped you to realise that you can achieve absolutely anything you desire!

Setting a goal is an opportunity for you to experience a greater sense of life and learn more about yourself. It’s not about hiding away in a body that stops you from getting out there and doing all the things you’ve dreamed of doing. The key is to never give up but how can we possibly start this journey when our ultimate goal seems almost impossible to achieve?

Sometimes when we set big goals for ourselves, we never truly give it 100% because we are afraid of journey ahead. Afraid we may not have what it takes to succeed, afraid of how life might change once we’ve achieved it or afraid of stepping out of our comfort zone but the real fear is not changing and facing a future that doesn’t represent our dreams.

If you’re ready to begin that journey, reach out to us for a complimentary Discovery Session at our Lilydale PT Studio to help you on your way or if you know of anyone this may help, share the article with them so they can start believing in themselves too.

The key to success is finding yourself a good coach who will provide you with just the right amount of challenge and support to help you reach your goals – we’re waiting for you!