How Do You Get the Results You Want?

Results happen over time, not overnight. Anytime we want to grow and become stronger or get better at something, more often than not it is not a walk in the park. We have to work for it. We have to overcome obstacles. Because if things were easy and if things were just handed to us then we don’t grow. We don’t get stronger.

For those trying to reach a fitness goal whether it be weight loss, increasing muscle mass, getting stronger, or just staying active so that you can play with your grandkids, there are barriers that you are going to have to overcome. In order for you to get the results that you desire you must put stress on your body. A quote I use with my workout group is that “there is no strength where there is no struggle.” Challenging yourself and pushing your body past what it is used to is what is going to make your body stronger. That is what is going to help you lose weight or stay physically active. And then once things get easier, in order to continue to get better, you must continue to challenge yourself. Don’t let yourself plateau. In everything, we should constantly be striving to learn and better ourselves.

It’s the same in our spiritual lives. If things were easy all the time then we forget that we need to rely on God. We start to coast and our spiritual lives remain stagnant when we should be growing in our relationship with God and in our walk with Christ. So when we face challenges and uncertainties, it is in those times that we get stronger. And to do that we read the Bible, we pray, and sing songs to God. We also surround ourselves with like-minded/Christ-minded individuals.

So whether in fitness or in your spiritual life, continue to work hard, stay consistent, and be patient. The trials may seem difficult now, but the rewards are worth it.

Kristi McQueen earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology at Abilene Christian University and her Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology at Midwestern State University. She leads the fitness program at The Refuge, and she offers personal fitness and training programs. For more information on fitness at The Refuge, please visit www.TheRefugeOlney.com. This column is published on the first Thursday every month.