Tony Horton, creator of P90X (and all the sequels) has been an inspiration for years. He is viewed as one of the best fitness experts, encouraging, and sympathetic. But he didn’t get to where he is easily.
In an interview entitled, How Tony Horton Reached His Potential, Tony shares some of his secrets and struggles. He admits that he wasn’t always the super confident happy person he is today. Tony had to work hard.
Just as he shared his fitness secrets through his P90X programs, he too wants to share how he was able to help reach his full potential. If you’ve taken part in any of Tony’s workouts you know that he spends his time teaching and encouraging people to push themselves, while not being reckless.
However, Tony acknowledges that although fitness is extremely crucial, there is also a mental component. Specifically, he states, “You can train with the hope that your ego will be satisfied with your physical appearance in a mirror 90 days from now. Or you can train to improve today…” Too often people experience discouragement or end up giving up when their ideals for fitness, weight loss, and strength seem out of reach.
You are not alone! “I fell down and struggled, but each time I got up and it was a little bit better, improving my confidence,” Tony admits that through out his journey for fitness, he went through rough patches. He was reluctant to try new things because they were difficult. He didn’t WANT to push his limits because he, like all of us, find out nice comfort zones and want to stay there. But by making himself learn new exercises, try new routines, he found that he grew both mentally and physically. What was once a struggle slowly became easier.
Have you ever looked at someone who made a life change: maybe a coworker or friend lost a great deal of weight, or changed their diet, or decided they wanted to run a marathon? Were they successful? If they were, did you feel envious of their victory? If so, you are not alone!
According to Tony, “Whether it is fitness or any area of our lives, once we have the self-awareness that we’re hovering over rock bottom, then and only then is when we can begin to change.” Until we humble ourselves, focus on our present selves, and focus on our goals, we may well find our path to health and fitness a difficult one.
Tony Horton says being ‘present’ was one of his biggest challenges and he worries it might be ours as well. It is important to have goals and dreams. However, it is also important to focus on the now. What are we doing right NOW to work towards our goal? Are we living in our comfort zone? Or are we trying to branch out.
The next time you’re working out reach a little higher. Try a slightly stronger weight, run a few minutes longer, or attempt a more difficult exercise. Don’t hurt yourself, but keep moving forward.
Teri
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