Hard work and dedication

After my first baby turned one year old, I remember a conversation I had with a family member. I wanted so badly to lose weight, but I didn't want it badly enough to do something about it. I specifically remember the words that came out of my mouth when asked why I just didn't do something about it. I said "Because it takes hard work and dedication, and I don't want to do that." Wow. What a powerful statement. One that I remember ten years later. But it was true! I wanted my pre-pregnancy body back, but I wasn't willing to put forth the work to do it. I wanted the easy way out. I knew it would be hard, so I did nothing about it. Well, except complain. At 20 years old I was at about 40 pounds overweight.

How many people actually want something in life, but are afraid of the work that it will take to make it happen? This fear doesn't just happen when it comes to weight loss. I would dare to say that many Americans actually waste their entire lives working jobs that pay the bills, but they aren't careers that they would choose for themselves if given a choice. If you have a dream, a goal, a passion, but ignore it, what's the use? I understand that "life" gets in the way for most people. It's hard to squeeze time out of our busy schedule to get to the gym. It's oftentimes out of the budget to go continue our education or get a degree in what we really want to do with our life. I understand, believe me. But it's not impossible. Some dreams get put on hold until your children graduate and are old enough to move out on their own, and others because timing or finances are not right. But don't let your dreams die because of fear. Don't fear hard work and dedication.

Ask yourself:

• What do you want for yourself?
• What are your goals?
• What is standing in your way to reach for them?