cheering vs. working

While lifting challenging squat sets at the gym this morning, I was giving myself some encouragement, and I imagined competition day, when you walk out on the platform, and the room cheers and shouts to remind you of your strength. I told myself, “they’re cheering for you.”

And then I realized: “even more importantly, YOU’RE cheering for you.”

AND THEN: “beyond all that? You’re WORKING for you.”

It’s not just the cheers. We need those, too; we need to have our own backs at all times, and the people who stand in our corner either hold us back or ensure we get pushed further.

But it’s more than that. I remembered this isn’t just wishful thinking of the voices of hopefulness; I am working every day for my goals. I don’t just cheer for myself; I show up for myself. I put my muscles and heart through the work so I can grow in the direction of my dreams.

One thousand reps, baby. We’re in the practice.

That’s how you can know you’re going to be okay. Because you’ve trained for this. You’ve already begun.