start where you are

This is the title of latest book by Chris Gardner, who gained fame with his book and movie “The Pursuit of Happyness”. While it fits in the business/motivational/self-help section, I think it has definite connection for anyone starting a new fitness program.

How often do we use the procrastination tool of “I’ll do that when……” and deep down inside our subconscious we know that the “when “will never happen.

Or, I will get new clients who are daunted by idea that “other are skinnier/ better shape/ you name it” than I am. This I take as subtle self -excuse to not try as hard or rationalize not performing better.

I learned this lesson, years ago in my 1^st Karate school when one of the young black belts came in with couple of black eyes and puffy face.  It turns out that he met someone a notch better than him at local pool hall.  All of us younger, lower ranking belts were devastated, but the Head Sensei simply pointed out that there is always someone better than you and always someone not as good as you.

So back to title of book. We can only move on from where we are now. Improvement is a lifelong process-hopefully.  Otherwise, there would only be the top 10 front of the pack runners/cyclist/etc. out there at each event. If I compared my running to others, I would quit running and do something else, especially when I read about 81yr old runners that have a faster marathon time than me!

Now that is humbling!

So I close this post with the sage of advice of the venerable late Tai Chi Chuan teacher, Jou Tsung-Hwa

1.       Always do your best.

2.       Make a little progress every day.