“I’m Not That Kind of Person”: Breaking Free From Self-Imposed Chains

“I’m Not a Cardio Person“

For years, I believed I was “not a cardio person” because every attempt at running left me gasping for air and doubting my abilities. I had been working out for years, but I was never able to do cardio. No matter how many times I tried running, it always had the same result. I’d last about one minute before my lungs and body were screaming at me to stop. This solidified my belief that I simply wasn’t built for cardio. But the method I chose was designed for failure. Of course, I had tried running, but that was as far as it went. I had never taken the steps necessary to become a cardio person before diving right in.

You can’t become a cardio person simply by going on a run, the same way you can’t become a flexible person just by trying to do a split. You have to put in the work to become that kind of person—and that’s what I decided to do. I started off just going on walks. One mile, then two, then three. Once I got that down, I added an incline. I slowly started increasing the incline as the weeks went on. Then I decided it was time to move to the Stairmaster. Eventually, my endurance built up, and my tolerance for cardio grew. It wasn’t until I challenged these limiting beliefs and took small steps towards my goals that I started making real progress.

Often, the reason we think we aren’t “that kind of person” is because we have not been properly educated on how to become that type of person. When you tell yourself you’re not that kind of person, you are limiting yourself; it is just an excuse that frees you from taking accountability. Next time you find yourself saying, “I’m not that kind of person,” instead ask yourself: “How can I become that type of person?” This mindset shift helps you move away from limiting beliefs and towards a growth mindset. By taking responsibility and seeking ways to learn and improve, you can start to become the person you aspire to be

The Regret of “I Should Have Started Sooner”

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I should have started sooner”? It’s a common feeling to look at others excelling in their passions and feel regret for not beginning earlier. I used to believe that certain pursuits were off-limits because I hadn’t started them in childhood. This belief held me back, convincing me that it was too late to learn a new language or pick up a musical instrument. But one day, I stumbled upon a story that completely shifted my perspective

About a year ago, I came across the Instagram page of Sophia Lazuli (@sophia.lazuli) which documented her adult figure skating journey. Sophia decided to document her journey on social media, sharing her progress and inspiring others to start pursuing their passions in adulthood. To her surprise, her videos quickly gained traction, and she soon amassed over 173k followers. Sophia’s story even caught the attention of the US Figure Skating organization, who wrote an article about her journey.

You are as young as you will ever be. Yes, you may wish you had started learning that thing you were interested in back when you were a kid, but imagine 10 years from now—your future self wishes you started right now. The best time to begin is always now. By taking that first step today, you set yourself on a path of growth that your future self will thank you for. Don’t let the regret of not starting sooner stop you; let the excitement of starting now propel you forward. Your journey is just beginning, and it’s never too late to pursue your passions.

Breaking Free From Procrastination

The key to overcoming procrastination lies in taking that first step, no matter how small it may seem. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or circumstance, embrace the power of just starting. Whether it’s learning a new skill, pursuing a passion project, or making a positive change in your life, the journey begins with a single step. So, what are you waiting for? Just start.

Conclusion

Procrastination may be a familiar companion, but it doesn’t have to define our journey. By challenging limiting beliefs, embracing new beginnings, and taking action in the face of uncertainty, we can break free from the chains of procrastination and unlock our full potential. Remember, it’s never too late to start anew and rewrite your story. So, take that first step today and embrace the power of just starting.