Fitness and exercise are constant goals of many of us. So many times, however, we fold when it comes to getting the work done. It’s probably because of the “too” problem. It’s too early, too hard, too exhausting, too time consuming, too….. The bottom line is if you and I want to live healthy lives we must make measured, responsible changes in order to do so. Obviously sleep and diet are a huge part of it, but so is exercise. So if the “exercise” portion of this has been the problem for you, of maybe all of the above, here are four words for you to contemplate.
The first is OUGHT. We all ought to be exercising. We use this word all of the time. It’s a word that denotes a sense of obligation and/or responsibility. It seems reasonable to suggest that your personal fitness is your responsibility. You ought to be exercising!
The second word is CAN. You can do this. You can get up early. You can do it in the cold. You can discipline yourself to go the extra mile. You can make those measured and responsible changes in your life. You can live as someone who is fit and healthy. You can exercise.
The third significant word is WILL. Do you have the raw determination to do what you ought and what you can? The word “will” denotes strength of mind and resolve. I’m reminded of the story (true by the way as far as I know) of Napoleon. It was at the battle of Marengo and the great leader thought that they were defeated. So he turned to his drummer and commanded him to beat a retreat. The drummer responded, “I don’t know one. My master never taught me one. I can beat a charge. I can beat a charge that can wake the dead. Do you want me to beat a charge?” History tells us that the great Napoleon was so moved by the young man’s words that he said, “Alright then, beat a charge!” He did and that battle was added to the great victories of Napoleon. Do you see the significance of resolve here? This courageous leader thought that he was done and was ready to give up, but a young man carrying drum – whose master never taught him how to back up – lead the great Napoleon on to victory. Incredible! One other Napoleon story: when he was finally defeated, before the end, his enemies shouted to his army and said, “Surrender or die.” To which his soldiers responded, “We know how to die, but we know not how to surrender!” With that they fought to the death. Friends, we need more will and resolve in our lives. Raw determination friends! Do you have the will to do it?
The last word is HAVE. What good is ought, can or will if at the end of the day you cannot say, “I have done it!” This morning in the 24 or so degree weather I 13 recruits who today can look you in the eye and say “I have!” Way to go Lindsey, Vince, Amy, Blake, Aaron, Pam, Kendra, Lexie, Sean, Brian M., Jana, Kim and Sandy. You rock!
It is my hope that you will think about these words: OUGHT, CAN, WILL and HAVE. Take them to heart and join the rest of us out on the Quarter Deck at 5:30 for USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP! Until then, drop and give me 20!
Filed under: Health & Fitness Tips
