Lesson 5: The Cowardly Lion

Thanksgiving is upon us…you find yourself 25, 30, 35 lbs overweight.

Maybe you’re not overweight at all, and just want a little body tone up.

Firm up those thighs.  Tuck in the tummy.  Or tighten those arms.

What are you afraid of?

“Lions? Tigers? And Bears?”

So the story goes in the Land of Oz…

Dorthy, the Tin Man and Scarecrow go deeper into the forest.  It’s getting dark.  They begin to worry over what evil may lie in the woods ahead, just then the Cowardly Lion jumps out to ‘greet’ them momentarily scaring them away from reaching their goal.

We all have had a Cowardly Lion that has gotten in the way of our goals.

Maybe you’re going to school, and think you’re just too busy to work out.

Maybe you work all day, then come home and have to cook supper for the kids.

Or perhaps you’re just plain afraid of failing, worried that you’ll never finish what you started.

These are all “cowardly” moments – so afraid to take that first step because of what it may require (sacrifice of time or family) or the belief that you are going to fail, so giving up seems like the only option, when it comes to getting in shape. 

Walking through that “forest of life” filled with so many daily obstacles does little to help us reach our goal, unless we make an active effort to plan and stay on the path that will move us forward, otherwise the Cowardly Lion will ALWAYS win.

So what are you truly afraid of? 

Churchill said, “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself…”

So if we have ‘a Lion in our life, how do we get over that fear?

1) Embrace fear:  We have to be willing to take the risks, and if mistakes are made (miss a workout or have a cheat meal) then embrace it and move on (always think toward our goal) and never stop!

2) Let nothing stand in our way:  Visualize the goal. Plot all the steps it will take to reach the goal. Remove (or plan around) any obstacle that gets in the way.  Perhaps we’re commonly too tired to workout at night. Try a lunchtime or the early morning workout instead.

3) Little League before the Majors:  Always remember we’re not going to be an expert overnight. The only person we are in competition with is our self!

4) Footprints:  Those footprints in the sand were made by other people that come before us.  Remember: We NEVER walk alone. 

5) Be Fearsome: Seriously, what is the absolute worst thing that could happen if we don’t reach our goal.  Are we any worse off if we don’t try?

6) How Much?  What will our bad habits (not working out, poor diet, smoking) cost us?  More doctor visits (more bills)?  Higher grocer, snacks, fast food bills?  Higher insurance premiums?  What is our self-worth worth?

My lion. Tiger. Or Bear.

I’ll be honest.  After tearing my ACL, I’ve battled the fear of not being able to give 110% when working out.  Although I’ve continued to exercise and do PT, it’s nowhere near the level of intensity of the past.  So more than once, I’ve asked myself, “Will I ever get back to where I was once before?”

The courage from my wizard.

I have not let ‘fear’ stand in my way of trying.  I’ve plotted a course.  I’ve battled through the pain.  The physical therapy has actually helped heal my leg.  I’ve stayed the course.  I’ve followed protocol (not over-doing it too soon or too much).  But deep inside I yearn for more.  I guess that is the fuel that fires me.  10-15 lbs heavier, a little softer than I like, I want to get back to where I was just a few short months ago.  I’ve embraced the fear.  Nothing will stand in my way.  I know I won’t get there overnight. I’m not the only one that has gone through this.  If I don’t reach my goal, so what (but I WILL die trying!).  If I don’t try, what will it cost me? Most of all my self-worth…I’ll always have a deep passion to workout my body to the fullest.  I WILL LET NOTHING STAND IN THE WAY OF REACHING MY GOAL!

So what fuels you?

Where do you want to be in 6, 12, or 18 months?

We are ALL ready to discover the fire that burns inside of us.  So get after it!

Meanwhile, a brief clip of the cautionary Lion inside all of us!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMBil4FkLKc

Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂