Richard Fitzgerald

Today’s date is January 26. Not even four weeks have gone by since many of us created New Years Resolutions and some of us have already thought about quitting…

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of quitting is “to cease normal, expected, or necessary action” or “to admit defeat, give up.” In most circumstances, the action of quitting has a negative connotation. Why? Because when we set out to do something, we create an expectation for ourselves to do it. Now of course, there are times in which quitting may be beneficial to us such as quitting a job that doesn’t make us happy or quitting a toxic relationship. But in most situations, we are not proud of ourselves when we quit something. So why do some of us quit what we initially deemed necessary? Why do so many people struggle with losing weight and then maintaining that weight loss? Of course there are many reasons and for every person those reasons may slightly differ, but in many cases the answer can be found in one word – personal accountability.

Personal accountability can also be referred to as discipline although many people have a somewhat negative connotation with the word discipline because it sounds difficult. However, the harsh reality is that most people quit on their New Years Resolutions or other goals in life for the same reason they don’t like the word discipline…because it sounds difficult. The thought of hitting the gym 4-5 days a week for the year sounds difficult. Or meal prepping for the week sounds difficult. Or making the decision not to go to every single party we are invited to sounds difficult. Or saying no to our alcoholic friend sounds difficult. Or choosing not to go to the club every Friday sounds difficult. The reason these things sound difficult is because most people think of the big goal in mind, but don’t throughly think about the PROCESS that will get them there. There is an old saying, “how do you eat an elephant?” The answer…”one bite at a time.” Too many people see the big elephant and think it can’t be done. They get overwhelmed and discouraged. But the successful people just start eating one bite at a time. People see the fitness models, athletes on tv, or celebrities who got ripped for one movie and say “I want to be like that!” But the problem is, they often do not see the work that is required to get there. Additionally, many people SAY they want to do something, but are unwilling to do the daily habits behind closed doors when nobody is watching. 

To be successful, no matter the endeavor, you must have personal accountability. That means, doing what must be required without interference from your emotions. Any goal worth accomplishing will require sacrifice. And during that sacrifice, we will ALL experience mountains and valleys…fun times and bad times. But, if you are serious about accomplishing your goals, then you will do what needs to be done, no matter how you FEEL. Because at the end of 2020, you (nor anyone who knows you personally and knows what goals you set!) will not look back on the year and think about how you felt about your goal, but you will only look back on whether or not you actually accomplished it. So do yourself a favor and throw your emotions aside. Draw out the process of what must be done this year or get with your coach and discuss what milestones you must hit in order to get where you want to go, and move forward. You can’t quit. 

Not only can you not quit on yourself, but if you have a family, you can’t quit for them! As a husband and father of three boys, I can tell you that I know what it’s like to have all eyes on you. When it comes to personal accountability and maintaining a never-quit attitude, I look no further than my oldest son Richard. I know for a fact that he has watched my wife and I since he was a little baby. He has watched our drive to keep going and our unwillingness to give in. I know that because we often hear him say (in third person) “Richard never gives up!” And while my stubborn son and his hard head can sometimes be a challenge for us to manage as parents, as a father I am proud that my actions have directly impacted him in such a positive way. While still in elementary school, he has hardened his mindset in such a way that by the time he becomes an adult in our society, he will have what it takes to thrive in a world full of people who quit on themselves too soon. I told you this because if you have a family, your children will not only say what you say, they will do what you do. So here’s a tough question for you—do you want your children to just talk the talk or do you want them to walk the walk? 

Like many of my posts, this post is not meant to sugarcoat anything. It is meant to address our insecurities, our fears, our doubts, and our discomforts in the face. Yes, we all experience them. Yes, life is tough sometimes. And yes, it is easier to quit than to persist. But if you want to be successful, if you were serious about the goals that you set not even four short weeks ago, if you are a man/woman of your word…then you can’t quit. You need to get off your butt and chase life like a cheetah chases a gazelle. It’s time for you to stop reacting and start being proactive! This year is still yours for the taking! But just remember, if you quit on yourself, others will take notice and perhaps emulate the same willingness to give up. Don’t let that happen to you and your family. 

I hope this fires some of you up like it fires me up! You are capable of more, you are deserving of more, and you ARE more! Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back! The only thing standing in your way is you. Get out of your own way. Go crush this week!

Coach Rich