Embrace the Now

Last night, I had an interesting discussion with someone at my gym. I do group personal training so it's somewhat social, but the trainers watch over us at all times and are obsessed with proper technique.

I was joking about how so many of the exercises we do in group training have to be modified for my size and some limitations coming back from injury. This perfectly fit-looking girl explained that she still has to modify some things as well, after having suffered an injury. I see her all the time yet never realized that she was modifying - probably because I was so busy modifying and focusing on myself. I then had a lightbulb moment where it sunk in that I didn't have to worry about what others thought of me or that they were watching me, snickering that I couldn't do the exact same exercise they were doing. Everyone is focused on themselves - just as it should be.

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Later in the workout as we were both grabbing some water, she mentioned that she had a friend who had signed up for a years worth of training and had yet to come to a class... 8 months into her membership. She said that her friend wanted to get in shape before coming to the gym, so just hasn't shown up. I stared in semi-disbelief: on one hand, I had the whole "if I can do it, anyone can do it" reaction. On the other hand, I laughed on the inside because I have said similar things before, and have heard people year-in and year-out say things to that effect. 

Embrace the now: your body now, your mindset now, your weight now, your physical ability now. We have no way of changing the past that led us to the spot we're in today. You'll never get to your destination if you don't take the first step.

Can you relate to the fear of starting? What tips do you have to push yourself to keep trying?