PROBLEM vs. SYMPTOM, which have you really fixed?

So I broke the ice with my last blog and I hope you enjoyed reading it! If you haven’t noticed… the idea behind this blog isn't some fad program but a lifelong lifestyle change. We often see this illusion of a “quick fix” but as we know from firsthand experience, failure falls right behind this “quick fix”. Problem was, and still is, we’re treating the SYMPTOMS and not THE PROBLEM. When we want to rid of unwanted weeds in our yard we dig deep and find their roots (problem) to pull them up. You don’t pick the leaves one by one (symptom) hoping to kill the weed. Once we permanently fix the problem, the solution quickly follows. Differentiating between these two is the key to your future success. 

    This is you: While driving down the road you notice your ‘check engine’ light has come on. What could it be now? We know it has come on to warn us of something but we have no idea what it could be. We have a choice 1). Ignore it 2). Take it somewhere to fix the problem or 3). (And this our favorite choice because it's easy) You find the wire that is causing it to light up and cut it. YAY, problem solved! The light is off so everything is okay now, right? Wrong! We only fixed the symptom. It's just the illusion that everything is fine, but later when the car blows up, remember… you decided to cut the wire!

       I constantly keep my clients reminded of the definition of "Insanity". Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. Now, apply that definition towards your past fitness attempts. Have you been fallen short over and over again because we never fixed the problem hindering your success? Have you been chasing after the same symptoms over and over coming up empty handed? Let’s stop repeating the same mistakes and brainstorm a solution to get you on the right track.

      Rewind this fast paced life we live back and think about your attempts at an exercise or diet program… what was the SINGLE most debilitating factor that caused you to fail?:

• ·         If it was commitment or motivation, hire a trainer or find a friend to keep you motivated when life is rough and you’re ready to call it quits

• ·         If you are unsure how to start with an effective eating program or fitness program, find a local CrossFit gym to join! There you will find qualified trainers that will lead you in the right direction and as a bonus you join a family of like-minded people with similar goals. (No fear of being judged and a great fitness program to relieve stress!)

• ·         If finances were the problem, sell the car. I'm not a financial planner, but every day I see people that spend lots of money on cars, houses, toys, etc. but they tell me how expensive eating healthy and attending a quality fitness gym is. When the car breaks you can buy a new one,
                    but when your body fails to work,
                                          where will you live?

     It's the most important item you have to invest in, but it's so difficult to have people see this until the doctor is delivering bad news.

Those are just a few common problems I see as a fitness coach. I know that when you are able to pin point your problem, you will find a permanent solution for it. As you keep busting down the walls you quickly realize that it gets easy to stick with your fitness regimen when your mind isn't torn in so many directions.

       So your homework for today is to: Stop and relax (you time!) for 30 minutes and think about your past attempts. Now, once you find what has held you back from achieving your goals I want you to permanently fix that PROBLEM so it's no longer an excuse on this next successful step you are about to take!

       **If you found something intriguing, please leave a comment or follow me. Remember, we are a team, we win together and we lose together. If there is anything I can help you with please send me a email and I will get you on the right track!**  

Edward Hardee

Winter Haven, Auburndale, Crossfit 92, Personal Training, Fitness, Weight Loss, Muscle, Athletics, Sports, Goals, Lifestyle, Health