It’s the end of January, which usually means one of two thoughts for most of us:

“I am crushing it! I’ve exercised hard 5 days a week all month – I’m all in this year!”

Or

“Damn, I missed the boat again this year, so much for healthy change…”

So here’s our most important message to you at this time of the year: instead of aiming for perfection, aim for consistency. Let me explain.

For those of us in category 1, this is a friendly reality check. Trust that life will get in the way later this year. Remember that you don’t need to have an ‘all or nothing’ attitude – if you have a big deadline at work next week and can only train once or twice this week, that’s 100% okay. Do what you can, and don’t fall off the wagon just because you can’t keep a perfect training schedule. In addition, think about your long-term development. You’ve been smashing it hard for a month – might you need an easy week of moderate intensity, basic movements to give your body a chance to rest and repair. Listen to your body and talk to a coach – there is no finish line to fitness, so let’s focus on building good long-term habits.

For those of us in category 2, we are here to remind you that it doesn’t matter when you start – you have a supportive community here waiting to help you get back on the wagon. There’s no sense in waiting for the ‘perfect time’ to start – that time won’t come. What’s important is that we learn to simply build in little bits of exercise each week, despite the chaos. Yes, you’re busy, but don’t forget that a little dose of exercise is also going to make you sharper mentally and stronger emotionally. Don’t overthink it – just book a session and show up tomorrow, because 30 minutes is only 2.08% of your day. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for consistency, and remember that you’re not alone in this journey.

Be Brave,
Ian