There is no change without challenge

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”—Winston Churchill

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 say to myself. 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.” Change can be discomforting and even painful until you get to where you want to be. Inspirational author Roy T. Bennett wrote, “It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.”

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. Every once in a while, if you stop eating hamburgers and fries, you will not feel any different. Eliminate them altogether, as well as all sugary sodas, then you’ll be getting somewhere and feel the difference.

What Drives You?
I want to win. Every time I ride my indoor-cycling bike, I can’t help myself. I follow the riders ahead of me and try to pass them. By the end of the race, I am a heaving, sweaty, wet, exhausted mess. But I WIN! It doesn’t mean anything to anyone, but me. I just 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