Day 6 Dusted

I'm glad I didn't give up. It seems to be an easy option for some people - and there's varying degrees of giving up. Is lowering my weights on the final couple of supersets giving up? Not to me - my target is the number of reps and good form. I'd rather do that then manage 3 sets and give up on the 4th. THAT is giving up.

Whatever works for you

There's something about me that's accepted that whatever I do it's my responsibility. So whether I've got a trainer counting out reps, timing me or asking for one more, or if I've got the gym to myself, I do the same. Or nearly - I'd feel more comfortable trying a much heavier weight or new workout if there was a professional by my side. I'd hate to loose a couple of days training due to injury!

Giving up is something only you are responsible for. You are the one that lives with the decision. And that's something that can eat up at me - I don't shrug my shoulders and move on, I haunt myself on what I've given up on. Sometimes I'd love to walk away from something and not be bothered by it, but most of the time I'm thankful for having the confidence in myself to finish what I start. The other little tool that helps me with this is thinking of myself next year being next to me. What's the best excuse I could come up with to quit, and then 'tell' that excuse to the future me. His reaction is always the same, and I pick the weights up again.

I really do see things as dares to be proven

I haven't always been the same. I used to need the compliments or support from other people - maybe one really important person or one particular crowd - but the last couple of years have made me realise that, at the end of the day, I'm the only one responsible for my life.

It's a strangely comforting thought. It's nice knowing I'm not depending on anyone. Don't get me wrong, it's great to have a support network and help from friends. But it's nice to know that if something goes horribly wrong we're resilient enough to deal with it by ourselves. It's something that doesn't just apply to the gym or the sports field - but every part of our lives. Sick of the kitchen always looking a mess? YOU do something about it. Sick of being the only person who cleans the kitchen? DO something about it!

Bitch/moan/talk about quitting, whatever you need to do to dump, and then get on with it. You'll only regret it tomorrow if you don't.

What would mini-me say to my best excuse? What kind of role model gives up?

Bit of a change of tone in today's post, think I started talking more to myself than anyone else! But hey, this is my way of dumping :)