Don’t you agree that the BEGINNING of pretty much any experience (at least the ones you choose) is kind of exciting?
I’m talking about the spark of a new relationship, the first day of school, getting your dream job, starting your own business, … Hell, even the first day of your new diet or exercise program seems awesome!
But, if you’ve been around the block a few times, you also know how these BEGINNINGS can turn out.
Generally, within a few days or weeks, that starry-eyed enthusiasm begins to fade and you discover EFFORT at your door.
Now it baffles me that we’re SURPRISED when EFFORT comes knocking (and yes, it still happens to me too).
We should expect it and be prepared for it, right?
Well, apparently we can be really dense, because most of the time we just don’t and we aren’t.
Maybe it’s because we go into these experiences trying to do too much at once, or maybe we keep trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result (that’s a definition of insanity, by the way), or maybe we forget that becoming a doctor takes longer than a week.
I don’t know, but somehow we get tripped up by the EFFORT needed.
However, contrary to what we feel, EFFORT is actually a wonderful thing.
We need to go through EFFORT to get to the big rewards (or they wouldn’t feel like big rewards, right?).
In fact you should really question any opportunity that doesn’t come with EFFORT attached.
(Didn’t your parents ever tell you “There’s no such thing as a free lunch?”)
The thing is, and always will be, that if you want something bad enough, you will have to WORK for it.
And WORK can come in many forms, but generally it involves expending some EFFORT, or spending some money, or taking some time, or, most likely, all of the above.
That’s a 100% guarantee. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
So, because of this, I’ve learned that it’s always a good idea to start any new endeavor by taking SMALL STEPS.
Probably even SMALLER than you might think.
For instance, the steps required to get your driver’s licence.
(I’ll use this example, because my daughter just got hers last week… Yay, Sarah!)
First, before you even put the key in the ignition, you’ve got to learn WHAT everything does and WHERE it is: The gas pedal, brake pedal, clutch (if applicable), lights, flashers, windshield wipers, a/c or heat, mirrors, the gauges, the stereo,….
Then you’ve got to learn HOW to start the car. Right foot on the brake, the other on the clutch (again, if applicable), and turn the key. Not too far! But just until the car is started. Feel that?
Awesome! We’re almost getting somewhere.
Now…
My daughter learned on a manual transmission. Lucky her, that’s all we’ve got to practice on.
So, here’s what she had to do:
Ok. Right foot on the brake, left foot on the clutch.
Release the parking brake.
Now, ease the left foot, ever so slightly off the clutch and take your foot off the break until you feel the car… Ooops! Car lurched forward. Too quick. STALLED.
Try again.
Now, very slightly, ease that left foot off the clutch and slowly lift the right foot from the brake simultaneously. Keep looking forward, don’t look at your feet! Hands on the wheel.
Hey, you’re MOVING FORWARD! SUCCESS!
Excitement… foot jumps off the clutch. STALLED.
Try again.
Now, if you’ve ever driven or have tried to teach someone else to drive, you know what a process that can be. It’s EFFORT for the learner and the teacher.
Yes, there’s lip-biting, white knuckles, frustration, pulling out of hair, yelling, maybe tears (these are the possible side-effects of EFFORT).
But there are also huge amounts of amazement, exhilaration, joy, and sense of accomplishment with mastering each new step.
So, although the side effects of EFFORT aren’t generally pretty, or easy, or even wanted, you can do something to minimize them.
Take small steps… or in other words, just put in small, planned, doses of EFFORT.
When you put in SMALL amounts of EFFORT in a logical order, you can minimize the frustration and the starts and stalls, and maximize on the LITTLE SUCCESSES along the way.
And you’ll be much more likely to stick with the path to wherever you want to go.
So, using another example, let’s look at getting into a healthier routine.
Start with small, simple steps, requiring small amounts of EFFORT.
Focus on each small step as it comes, until you’ve mastered it (done it consistently).
So, try parking further away. Or adding a fruit to your breakfast. Or taking a daily supplement.
Think small, do-able, and consistent.
For example, I like to help my new clients start off feeling SUCCESSFUL.
I usually do this by suggesting they begin improving their eating habits by adding an Omega-3 supplement.
Nothing else.
That’s all I ask them to change for 2 weeks.
But I want them to do it each day, and consistently.
When they succeed at that simple but effective step, then we can move on to the next.
Now, sort of going off on a tangent, I just want to add a little here about Omega-3 and why I would recommend it as a potential starting point…
Omega-3 Supplements
First, Omega-3 (fish or algae oil) has been proven to offer tonnes a benefit with very little risk.
Now, what is Omega-3 exactly?
Well, there are two classes of fatty acids that our bodies can’t produce, meaning they need to come from food: Omega-3 and Omega-6.
Ideally, you need equal amounts of both in your diet.
But the current Omega-6 to Omega-3 consumption ratio for the average person is about 20 to 1.
This discrepancy is due in large part to the high consumption of processed foods which are made with Omega-6-rich vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, and cottonseed oils.
Omega-3 fats can oxidize so they’re not good for use in foods that need a long shelf life.
So, if you’re not getting enough Omega-3-rich fatty fish such as mackerel, sardines, tuna, and salmon in your diet, meaning at least twice a week (which most of us aren’t), then it would be wise to supplement with a good quality Omega-3 or fish oil.
Omega-3, in the form of fish oil or algae oil supplements, provides the body with the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA.
These two forms of Omega-3 are immediately usable by the body, and according to recent data, they pack a pretty big benefit punch:
- Reduction in triglycerides
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Reduction in overall inflammation
- Decreased risk of sudden death due to cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias
- Enhanced memory and brain function
- Reduction in cognitive decline in people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
- Improved bone density
- Enhanced immune system function
As a PN nutrition coach, I suggest a dosage of 3 to 9 g/day of fish oil which is equivalent to 1 to 3g/day of DHA/EPA.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, like me, you can try algae oil, about 2g/day.
However, if you’re currently on blood thinning medication, please talk to your doctor before taking an Omega-3 supplement.
For a little more info, check out this PN article called “All About Fish Oil.”
As you can see Omega-3 offers a lot of bang for little buck. It’s a SMALL EFFORT that can add up to big results with consistency.
_________________________________________
So that’s it. My take on effort, success, and Omega-3 supplements.
In my head, these all fit together 🙂
So, here’s a short recap on how to MINIMIZE EFFORT and MAXIMIZE SUCCESS:
1. Know what you want.
In other words, know WHY you’re embarking on your journey in the first place. (e.g. To get your driver’s licence or lose 10 pounds)
2. Become familiar with WHAT you need to get there.
By this I mean that you should know WHAT vehicle, tools, and resources you’ll need to accomplish your goal.
(e.g. A car, your own body, a coach, or a gym)
3. Find out HOW to get there.
Research and understand the steps needed to get you where you want to be. (e.g. The steps to go from parked to driving, or the steps to go from couch to 5K)
4. Write those steps down.
Putting things down in writing help organize our minds and get us prepared for what’s to come.
5. Make the EFFORT to take CONSISTENT ACTION.
In other words, put in the EFFORT to get those small steps done in logical order.
6. Revel in each little SUCCESS, no matter how small.
Take the time to recognize and appreciate the SUCCESS of achieving each small step before going onto the next one.
7. Try an Omega-3 supplement 🙂
Have a great week and keep moving forward,
Debbie
P.S. It’s never too late to join the August Greatest HIITs Fitness Challenge… just click on the link to sign up for free.