If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.

“God helps those who help themselves.”—Benjamin Franklin

I’m lucky to have a Peloton bike and treadmill at my house. It’s super easy to jump on and do some amazing training sessions with a whole host of trainers. I like to do two to three sessions a week on my non-weight training days. I find that the cardio helps keep me lean, fit and brings out my inner warrior mood. I’m totally hooked, when I see riders on the screen competing with me to see who can win.

Every time I get on the bike, I mentally tell myself, “Take it easy, no need to race.” As I start my warmup, I casually glance at the headboard and see I’m overtaking a few riders. Some speed up as I get closer. “Don’t Race, Don’t Race.” I switch my attention to listening to the trainers shout out inspiration and encouragement. One shouts out: “There is no change without challenge.”

That statement goes zinging into my brain. Absolutely! “No Pain, No Gain.”Right? Back in the 80’s Jane Fonda coined, “Feel the burn.” 

In order to achieve anything worthwhile in life you must put yourself in uncomfortable situations. If you study for any degree to get a better job, it takes time and sacrifices, especially if you do it part-time, like two of the ladies in our office. They tell me how many distractions and temptations have been pulling them away from the books. Many things that are worthwhile to achieve take time. If you work out once you don’t build muscle and get fit, but by doing it consistently, week after week, you will see results. Stop eating hamburgers and fries one time and you will not feel any different; but if you eliminate them altogether, as well as all sodas, then you’ll be getting somewhere.

What Drives You?

I followed after those riders ahead of me. I couldn’t help myself. By the end of the race, I was just a heaving, sweaty, wet, exhausted mess. But I WON! It doesn’t mean anything to anyone, but me. I know I can persevere even though my life doesn’t depend on it. I am ready to do whatever it takes to win.

Wish you a magical, happy holiday with family and friends. Until next year.

— Ralph