It’s funny the assumptions you make and judgements you pass on things or people based on your own (oftentimes) limited perceptions and ignorance. Case in point, I’ve been interested in trying Pilates ever since circa 2000 when Oprah revealed her new slim and toned body as a result of its practice. I finally signed up 20 years later, after it was brought back on my radar by a couple of my clients who are faithful Pilates club members.
I signed up earlier this month and decided to try a level 1 class. I was pretty certain it would be too easy at that level and I’d quickly move on to the higher levels. I mean, I’ve been an athlete all my life and am pretty active at the gym and weekly Soul Cycle classes. After getting my ass handed to me at the beginner level and actively avoiding laughter or coughing after my first Pilates class because my stomach muscles felt like I’d done a million sit-ups, I realized how wrong my previous assumptions had been.
Never discouraged, I continued to return each week and when asked at this weeks class what I thought about the classes, I said what came naturally to my mind and obviously my body, “it’s hard!” Most people would have agreed with me and chimed in with their own “hard” stories and examples to validate my proclamation. My instructor did something different. She corrected me with, “it’s challenging”. And that hit me!
Perception is everything right? Suddenly, what I previously viewed as hard and difficult, now made me feel differently. The subtle shift in word choice now made me feel hopeful and encouraged with a determination to push myself, versus giving in to defeat and negativity. Now I’ve vowed to be cognizant of my word choices with everything in my life moving forward.
I’ve had consultations with perspective clients who knew that they really needed my help. Somewhere between committing and actually pulling the trigger, they let fear get in their way. They let the thought of financial change being “hard” stop them from being great. I often wonder if the ones who got away were able to achieve financial improvement. Or if they’re in the same spot.
It’s quite easy to stay where you are in your comfort zone but how do you get better? How can you improve? When can you become great? Change can be uncomfortable, it can be challenging, and it can be rewarding.
Excuses are wack. Fear is wack. Hard is wack. Dodge it all and embrace the challenge. Wanna talk money? I can help!
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