It is rumored that in 1519 when Hernando Cortez landed in Mexico he ordered his men to “Burn the Ships.”  He wanted his men to understand that their only option was to win or perish.  There would be no retreat.

Let’s use this historic moment as a metaphor.  Imagine yourself standing on the shores of a foreign territory (health and fitness) and watching your ships burn behind you.  The only thing going through your mind is how you are going to win and being victorious as you sail home in their ships (reaching your goal).

As a fitness specialist I think the “burn the ships” mentality is perfect for anyone starting on the road to fitness or perhaps stalled in a program.  Nearly 50% of people who start an exercise routine quit within 6 months.  Why do you think these people RETREAT from their fitness routine?  It’s pretty obvious. THEY DID NOT GET RESULTS!  If they were getting results, looking and feeling better, they would not quit.

To experience success, having the correct arsenal before you start on this journey is imperative.  Most people do not understand health and fitness and most fitness professionals are not equipped to educate.  My goal in life is to help as many people as possible to achieve health and wellness.  I want them to understand that there is no turning back. Failure is not an option.

If failure was not an option when you woke up tomorrow, how would you want to look and feel?  Would you want to stand up without pain in your knees?  Would you want your lower back pain to go away?  How about getting off some of the medication you are taking?  Would you just want to look good naked?  Whatever you want to achieve, go after it with the thought that you cannot fail.  It is achievable and you will get there.

Now that you have “burned the ship,” here are some important things to remember:

1. Set a clear goal of what you want to achieve
2. Surround yourself with people who can help you achieve that goal
3. Do not take “no” for an answer.  Always keep pushing forward.
4. Once you achieve it, enjoy your victory and start a new battle.

The worst thing you can ever do in fitness is think you cannot achieve it.  Anything is possible if you want it bad enough.  This past year alone I have seen two people lose over 80lbs.  I saw a guy who could not stand up out of my chair during our first consult to last week he was jogging.  Anything is possible if you just “burn the ships.”

#ResultsAreEarned

Nic DeCaire