The Day You Plant the Seed Is NOT the Day You Eat the Fruit

April 26, 2010

“The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit”

We have been conditioned as a society to believe that today’s actions should deliver immediate results.  What I see in my work is that most people set totally unrealistic expectations for themselves when it comes to exercise.  
 
During cancer treatment and beyond, you might be disappointed when your initial lifestyle change efforts, like increased physical activity, don’t quickly meet your personal expectations. Don’t worry!  
 
Most people in their logical mind can admit that more exercise is probably a good thing.  Please be confident that your body knows this and is changing from the first time you take a walk or lift a dumbbell--internal changes at first. The external ones, you know, the number on the scale or the size of your jeans, come later -- with perseverance.  
 
You must have patience with the process of change and with yourself.  You might be like many of my clients, who want to know you’d feel the difference after you exercise- before you try it!  And, that’s the trick, knowing with certainty that you will feel more energized, more in control and even happier after you move – which you cannot feel until you move.
 
It’s the ultimate catch 22.
 
Here are some things to keep in mind when making a lifestyle change like incorporating increased physical activity into your life:
 

1. Understand that it will take time for the seeds you’ve planted to grow roots, sprout, grow and then bear fruit for you, the gardener.  That’s why being diligent and fostering them is vitally important.
2. Put yourself in a place of positive expectation.  All good things take some time to happen, why not expect its all good, instead of not!
3. If you get caught in a “this isn’t working!” place, remind yourself how great you are and that you have made things happen for yourself in the past.  This is just another great thing you can do!
4. You and only you can create the way you handle your experiences and your daily attitude.  It’s an awesome responsibility but I know you can do it.
   

I suggest you allow yourself 4 weeks to do things differently, to incorporate more movement into your life and see what happens.  You have my support and encouragement!
 

Act and then you will feel.  If you wait to feel, you will never act.

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