I was recently surprised by a memory that popped up on my phone, a reminder of my very first 5K run back in 2015. It was the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Battersea Park, and let me tell you, I was NOT prepared.
Picture this: a polo shirt, thick cotton jogging bottoms on a warm summers day, and, to top it all off, basketball trainers. 🤦🏽♂️ Not exactly the ideal running gear. But when the opportunity came, I said YES 🙌🏾 and that made all the difference.
Despite my lack of preparation, I crossed the finish line and earned my Finisher’s T-shirt. If you know, you know! That XL polyester reward was more than just a piece of fabric; it was proof that I had shown up, pushed myself, and accomplished something outside my comfort zone. More importantly, I did it alongside my colleagues, all of us at different stages in our fitness journeys but united in a shared experience. 🤳
That was a memorable moment, for real. Pandora’s Box was opened.
Here are 3 tips to support your journey guys.
1. Find Your Tribe: The Power of Community
If you want to stay consistent in fitness—or in any goal—you need to surround yourself with the right people. I’ve learned that connecting with others is one of the strongest motivators for sticking to your commitments.
James Clear, in #AtomicHabits, explains how the people around us shape our behaviours. We are social creatures, our tribal roots means we’re still wired to fit in with our environment. When you immerse yourself in a culture that values fitness, it naturally becomes easier to show up, stay accountable, and push through challenges.
Think about it:
· If your friends love to run, you’ll likely start running more. 🏃🏾♂️🏃🏃🏾♀️💨
· If your colleagues do a fitness challenge, you might be inspired to join. 🤸🏾♂️🤼♀️
· If your gym crew shows up every morning, you’ll feel motivated to do the same. 🏋️♂️🏋️♀️🏋🏾
Your tribe influences your habits more than willpower ever could. So seek out a group that supports your growth.
2. Start Where You Are, Use What You Have, Do What You Can
I didn’t have the right shoes, the right clothes, or even the right training. But I showed up.
Tennis legend Arthur Ashe’s words still ring true today:
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”
Too often, we wait for the "perfect moment" to begin. When we have the right kit, the right diary slot, the perfect conditions, 🌤️ but to use Eckhart Tolle’s expression, it’s all about The Power of Now.
· Start where you are. Whether you’re a beginner or getting back into it, just take the first step.
· Use what you have. You don’t need fancy equipment or the latest gear—just start with what’s available to you.
· Do what you can. Some days you’ll crush it, some days will be tough. Just keep moving.
3. Just Do It
That first race wasn’t about speed, performance, or even looking the part. It was about saying YES 🙌🏾to the opportunity, enjoying the experience and seeing what was possible.
Years later, I’ve ran further distances, trained consistently and then not at all, but I’m now committed to showing up more consistently. Back in 2015, it all started with one decision, to step outside my comfort zone and join in, even when I wasn’t fully ready.
If you’re waiting for the right time to start your fitness journey, this is it. Today!
Find a community, take the first step, and dare I say it….. Just Do It. ✅ You never know what doors it might open.
Let me know, what’s your “Just Do It” moment? Drop it in the comments.
Click here for Kindle Unlimited 30 Day Free Trial
Get the Kindle Edition on Amazon.co.uk
