Finding Success in Being Willing

Say you’re staying on the third floor of a hotel in a tropical location. You have the choice between taking the elevator and taking the outside staircase to your room. The immediate instinct to take the elevator kicks in, but then you consider taking the stairs. The tropical breeze through the staircase does feel amazing, and after all, you’d be standing in a stuffy elevator that would probably take longer anyway with other folks on board. In the end, life is about the choices we make. Wanting can extend on forever, but being willing is the deeper catalyst to change-making behavior. 

In the realm of fitness, many of us find ourselves waiting for motivation to strike, leading us to take the action of getting on our Hydrow to start a workout. But what if we told you there's a more reliable path to success, one that revolves around being willing and cultivating discipline rather than relying solely on fleeting feelings of motivation? Let's explore the power that this shift can have.

The power of decision over feelings

In our everyday lives, we often wait for motivation to propel us into action. However, motivation is a fickle friend, easily swayed by external factors and fleeting emotions. Instead, consider the power of being willing — a conscious decision to prioritize your health and well-being, regardless of how you feel in the moment. By embracing willingness, you take control of your actions and move forward with purpose vs. being swayed by a feeling that may come and go.

Similarly, discipline plays a crucial role in achieving our fitness goals. While motivation may ebb and flow, discipline is born out of willingness — a willingness to make a steadfast decision that keeps us on track, even when the going gets tough. Cultivating discipline involves creating habits and routines that support our goals, making exercise a non-negotiable part of our daily lives. Through discipline, we establish a foundation for long-term success and sustainability in our fitness journey.

Making the choice to be willing

How can we cultivate willingness in our lives? It starts with making conscious choices that align with our values and aspirations. When faced with the temptation of unhealthy food choices, the “WANT!” button can be engaged big time. But you can choose, choose to be willing to nourish your body with wholesome alternatives.

Similarly, when tempted to start the next season of your favorite show instead of working out, choose to be willing to prioritize movement and exercise for the betterment of your health — then by all means, watch that show!  Maybe even make a deal with yourself: First get your workout in, THEN watch an episode of your favorite show. Healthy rewards work.

Turn feelings into decisions

Making the shift in wanting to do something vs. making the commitment and finding the willingness to actually do something may not be second nature to all of us. The guide below can help you learn to recognize feelings had vs. decisions that need to be made:

Feeling Thought

• I’ll work out when I feel like it later

• I need one of those cookies

• I’m too tired to work out

Decision Thought

• I’ll work out at 8:00 before my meetings

• Those cookies look great, but I’ll pass

• I made the commitment to work out

For practical tips aligned with creating discipline and SMART goals, you can refer back to the December blog article where we talk about creating workout habits that last. Don’t forget that with Hydrow, you are surrounded by a supportive community to help keep you accountable on your fitness journey.

Putting it all together

In the pursuit of health and fitness, success lies not in waiting for motivation or relying solely on fleeting feelings of wanting. Instead, success is found in the conscious decision to be willing and the dedication to cultivate discipline. Remember: Decisions and commitment are the keys to unlocking your fullest potential. It’s time to embrace the power of willingness and discipline as you strive for success in fitness — and in life.