Article from Lindsay Martin, MS, RDN, LDN | 

We all can recall the story of The Tortoise and Hare from childhood, right? The Tortoise and Hare race and the Tortoise is slow and steady, but the Hare is fast out the gates. I’ve used this analogy many times in wellness consultation sessions, and recent episodes of “The Biggest Loser” have me contemplating how important this story really can be.

When asked the question “What is the hardest part of a fitness program?” most people will answer “Sticking with it”. While the research has concluded that making the decision to start is actually the most difficult aspect, a strong case can be made for the fact that sticking to a workout plan or healthy diet may truly be the most formidable phase of getting back in shape.

In the business world, as well as in your personal life, your success is ultimately the result of the efforts you put forth day in and day out over the course of months and years.

Performing everyday tasks on a consistent basis gives you a much better chance to reach your goals.

When it comes to physical health, the major problem in our society is that far too many of us emulate the Hare because we look for the fastest way to get results, be it the next great 30 day transformation program, the next piece of exercise equipment that is going to reshape us before holidays (swimsuit season, class reunion…), or the next pill that will miraculously re-energize our metabolism so the ‘pounds will melt away’.

In reality, the prosperity that your career brings or the sense of accomplishment that comes from raising responsible children is the result of a long range outlook, not something you can accomplish in a couple of months. Success at turning back the clock and regaining your health will require you to commit to a consistent plan, to become the Tortoise.

Even Olympic athletes, if they stop training, can ultimately lose all that they had worked so hard to attain.

By becoming the Tortoise and planning with a long-term vision, you will have experienced such amazing results that you will not want to do anything but continue.

Your health will become top priority as you see that it enables you to successfully accomplish all of the other goals you’ve set for yourself.

So, strap on your shell, set your feet at the starting line and get headed on down the road.

Don’t worry how fast anyone else is progressing. Remember, the tortoise won the race, regardless of how fast the hare got out of the gate.