Stop waiting to be ready

I can’t recall where I read those words —Stop waiting to be ready— they feel at once trite, and yet remain simple, to the point and, annoyingly, hit the nail on the head as far as I’m concerned.

A similar saying would be ‘The right time is now’.

This one time at boot camp

A few years ago I’d been starting to get back into jogging, but felt like I needed something more, something to push me, and then I heard about a gym that was offering a bootcamp. I knew some people who went to the gym, trusted that it wasn’t the type of place that was full of gymbros, and thought I’d maybe give it a go.

But would I show myself up? Was I fit enough to go to such a thing?

I was mulling this over when a colleague and I went for a walk one lunchtime, I mentioned the bootcamp idea but that I wasn’t sure. She asked what was stopping me?

And I didn’t have a decent answer for her, in my mind I had all sorts of fears and excuses but the reality was it was something new and I wasn’t sure I was ready to try it.

I mumbled something along those lines and —she is a very wise woman, I should point out— she replied that I wouldn’t know if I was ready unless I tried it.

It feels as obvious now, retelling this story today, as it did when she said it to me all those years ago, and I think that’s the point.

Get out of your own way

Us humans are a complex lot, but at times it can be very simple to peek inside our messy heads and see what’s actually going on.

Like many of you, I am quick to put blockers (aka excuses) in my own way. For about a year I didn’t go out on my bike because it was all the way out in the garage. Or I wouldn’t go for a run because it was too hot/cold/late or I was too hungry/tired/busy.

When it comes to trying something new —like a gym bootcamp— I find myself making sure my mind and body are ready for the challenge, all because I think that means I’m better prepared to counter all those little excuses I know I will create.

Just do it

Most of the things that improved my life started before I felt prepared for them. The gym. Parenting. Cycling further than I thought I could. Each time I just made the decision and did the thing. I wasn’t confident at all, but as I kept going, so confidence came along for the journey.

I’m in a bit of a slump right now, exercise, eating habits, are both being avoided so, when I get back from our holiday I’m going to take my own advice, get out of my own way, and just do the thing.