Why does it happen every year? Those New Year “Resolutioners” who start a new exercise regiment only to quit before spring arrives. Research shows 60% of people who start an exercise program drop out within the first 6 months or even less. In my opinion, there are three reasons why people quit so quickly.
- They attempt too much too fast.
- Their schedule cannot handle that big of a change.
- They are not patient and want to see quick results.
When it all becomes overwhelming without seeing the desired results, they throw in the towel. To stick to an Exercise Program past the first six weeks, you have to progress slowly and be patient.
HOW IS YOUR PATIENCE?
Patience. Who really likes that word? I have to be honest; patience is not my best attribute. When things are not going my way, my natural tendency is to become aggravated and quit. However, when I think about the qualities of Jesus, I can’t help but think about how patient He is with me. Where would I be if Jesus gave up on me so quickly? He believes in me and knows what I can accomplish through Him. Despite my weakness and failures, He never gives up on me.
What if you had the same patience with yourself that Christ has with you? What could you accomplish? Could having patience with yourself be a way for you to stick to an exercise program and make it a habit? What would happen if you did not give up so quickly?
Galatians 6:9 says:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
I WANT IT NOW
I definitely like living in a world where we can get almost anything, quickly. When I make up my mind that I want something my philosophy is “why drag out the process.” I have even said this to God when praying for certain things in my life. 🙂 Thankfully, He knew that I needed to progress slowly and not add too much to my plate at one time. There were things He needed to teach me that would take time. He knows every time how much I can handle at each stage of my life.
It is the same with exercise. Killing yourself trying to get quick results is not the way to develop healthy habits that will lead to a consistent exercise program. A new program must be designed with the right program at this stage of your life.
Don’t give up on yourself. Results happen when you are consistent. When you decide to be patient and progress slowly, you will find it is easier to stick to an exercise program.
In Good Health,
Crystal
About Crystal Breaux
Patience and consistency are big challenges in my busy schedule, as I’m sure it is for most people these days. I think I need a personal trainer who comes knocking on my door at 6AM so I can’t avoid taking the time to exercise. I think I’m going to pretend that you and your blogs are my personal trainer, and “have you check in on me” more regularly. 🙂 Thank you, Crystal, for your encouragement.
You hit all three of my reasons for non-success. I guess I am not the only one that does that. 🙂 Your articles are helping me so much to get a perspective on what I need to do and how I need to think about it. I am doing better at getting my head in the right spot. Instead of beating myself up for not walking a hour or three miles, I am rejoicing in the fact that I am being obedient and walking thirty minutes three times a week, Tai Chi two times a week and next week I will start some easy stretching and weight lifting that is realistic for my physical state and my age. I am making time for it. When the snow starts I will have to go to the rec center and that will be a whole different set of mind games.
Thank you Crystal for another great article.
Thank you, Crystal! I really need this today. I have been beating myself up a bit about not doing enough, but it helps to think of having patience in this.
It’s hard to change up a schedule from no exercise to 5-6 days a week, so I will be patient and happy with my 2-3 days a week now and realize that at least I am doing something instead of nothing!
Another awesome reminder to be patient! We live in such a “I want it NOW” world, if we don’t see immediate results, we quit, or have the “it’s not working” attitude. I, like Sherrie said above, will work more at being more content with my 3 times a week. Something is better than nothing, for sure!!! I’m not ready for a 5k, but I’m at least trying now! PTL!
Great Clella I will definitley be your trainer at 6am. You can do it
Your are welcome Jackie. Remember it is not a perfection. Sometimes we just have to do what we can do. I am so glad to hear you are getting a new perspective.
Oh Sherrie, Attempting to go from 0 to 5-6 days a week is setting yourself up for failure. Yes, Start with 2 and as you begin to see how it works for your schedule, you may discover new ways to make the other days work. Keep that in mind. Be proud of what you are doing. It will motivate you to keep going.
We have to remember Patience with our health is just like other areas of our life. Christi, I know you will do a 5K on day. I have faith in you. Keep going.