You’ve probably come across the famous quote by Neale Donald Walsch:

 

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

 

While often overused these days, the quote relates to one fundamental truth in life: 

 

Whatever you want to achieve in life, you must go outside your comfort zone to pursue it, and physical fitness is no different.

 

Everything Feels Scary At First

 

Every new journey in life feels scary and confusing because we don’t know what to expect, and we are afraid that we might look stupid. 

 

Entering the gym for the first time can be a nerve-racking experience, precisely because people don’t know what to do. 

 

Folks aren’t sure how to navigate the gym, what machines (if any) to use, how to warm up, and what workout routine to follow. Plus, even simple exercises like the dumbbell bicep curl feel foreign and awkward. That many unknowns are bound to make even the most confident people worried. 

 

To make matters worse, asking for help is also not easy. What if you ask a stupid question? How will people perceive you? Maybe it’s best to go at it alone and learn through trial and error. 

 

We Do It Anyway

 

Most people don’t think about it often, but life is about constant growth and learning. Even the simple act of walking was once something new you had to master, but look at yourself now––strolling along without even thinking about it. 

 

The same goes for other things: riding a bike, learning to read, making friends, becoming proficient in a field to land a job, etc. 

 

Regardless of how you feel about obstacles, the only way to excel in life is to take those scary steps and act despite feeling anxious or confused. Everything is new, scary, and confusing until it isn’t. 

 

Teach Yourself to Do The Uncomfortable Things

 

It’s human nature to avoid uncomfortable things and run toward familiarity. It is precisely that tendency that keeps many people shackled to mediocrity. Simply put, people are so afraid to fail that they reason it’s better not to do anything. But isn’t not trying the biggest failure of all?

 

As discussed above, growth occurs when we get uncomfortable, so the best thing you can do is to challenge yourself.

 

One way to do so is to change how you think about challenges. Instead of obsessing over the task and how difficult or uncomfortable it would feel, look beyond that to the actual results it would bring.

 

For example, working out is difficult and uncomfortable. Even if you know what you’re doing, it still requires discipline, patience, and hard work to build muscle, get stronger, and lose fat. 

 

However, instead of obsessing over the challenge, focus on the outcome. Working out improves your physical capacity, making everyday tasks (carrying groceries, climbing stairs, etc.) easier. It also makes you happier, more confident, and less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.

 

Final Words

 

Discomfort is an unavoidable part of life. The more we try to avoid challenges now, the more likely we are to regret it later. 

 

Getting started with the gym is uncomfortable but highly beneficial in the long run. So, rather than obsessing over the difficulties you are bound to face, jump in, believing that you will figure things out as you go.

 

Plus, consider all the advantages and imagine how your life will improve as a result.

 

Need guidance on getting started? Our memberships come with a FREE Results Plan, to help you get started in the gym and give you the guidance you need. Enquire now.