From the beginning... Follow Through

Tip - Do what you say you're going to do.

I know that sounds simplistic and when it involves donuts or pilates, it can seem downright impossible. However, the way to increase your self-respect and therefore your positive mental picture of yourself, is to follow through.

That's been a recurring theme for me. I thought for a long time it was just about not disappointing people. But it's also about not lying to myself. No one respects a liar, not even the one doing the lying. And even in times where you haven't made an out and out commitment to anyone else, doing the basics and following through for you can be even more important.

Last week is an example: I bought my bike on Sunday and was able to pick it up on Wednesday. Thursday came and I decided after work I was going to ride for the first time so I wasn't dangerous when I did set forth at 3:40 a.m. some morning to come to work. I went home and was suddenly dead tired.

I went ahead and got ready - sun-block, exercise clothes, helmet - then it hit, I was just too tired to move forward. I sat down to rest my head and ended up with a 15 minute nap. When I woke up it went through my head that I just wanted to eat a bowl of cereal and call it an early night.

Uh, no. The other part of me would have felt stupid the next day, after making a big deal out of my first ride, if I had been asked about it and had to admit I didn't go. So I bucked up and went.

I have to tell you, it was worth it. Not only was I happy right then with the way I had performed, this morning I was WAY grateful I had done a test run.

I rolled out of bed this morning at 2:40 a.m. I ate, got my shower and stared down my bike helmet as I watched the numbers flick by on the weather channel. Yep, 40 degrees. I had the passing thought that I was crazy. But then that other thought went through my head - "Why not? You've made the commitment, now follow through." And I did.

Yes, it was chilly. But I had earned my own respect and that's worth more than a warm commute in my car any day.

Yours in fitness, Kate