I came across (well really thought of) the title of this post when I was updating myfacebook status yesterday. It’s simple, yet powerful, just like my own philosophy on fitness. Defeat is slathered in the words I can’t, I won’t, It’s not possible, I’m not strong enough, I’m not qualified… and the list goes on. We’re all guilty of speaking these phrases when it comes to any difficult or intimidating situation we face. But the realization is we have a choice. If we were more conscious of what comes out of our mouths, I believe we’d be a happier, more driven people.

My closest friends will tell you that I tend to speak words of defeat all the time. I think it’s inevitable when there are areas of insecurity. We get uncomfortable and immediately switch into defense mode, which is usually evidenced in our language. For example:

Person A: Girl your hair looks so nice!

Me: Girl, please, my hair is a mess. And I look a hot mess too!

Person B (depending on who it is, might say): What are you talking about, you look fine!

Me: No, I don’t!

There’s no doubt that these words contribute to future self-esteem issues, low self-image, and just plain low confidence. Not only that, but after a good while, even your best and closest friends may get sick of complementing you and stop altogether. There’s also a great possibility that these words come from a deep place of insecurity and it’s never too late to reverse what you think is truth.

The point is, when you speak words of defeat “they take legs and walk”. They manifest and become what you’ve just spoken. We are responsible for the words that come out of our mouths, and even more responsible for what happens after we’ve spoken them.

So what does any of this have to do with fitness? Well, everything! Negative speaking or attitudes isn’t allowed in my sessions with clients, and it shouldn’t be allowed in your own fitness routine. I think it’s awesome when people state their goals or get a burst of motivation to change their lives, plan it out, and attempt to execute it. It’s the journey toward the goal that makes the goal either attainable or absolutely impossible. In my eyes, your words shape your journey. You want to be able to do 10 push-ups in a row? Remove ”I can’t” or “I’m not strong enough” from your vocabulary. You want to lose 30 pounds or run a marathon or complete a 5K or tone up your legs for a sexy bathing suit… remove all notions of “I can’t” from your head.

Easier said than done right? Not if you want it bad enough. The most successful people, who refuse to be mediocre are the ones you take the most risks. “I can’t” doesn’t make sense to them. Once you’ve expressed “I can’t”, you’ve accepted defeat. There are people out there who want to see you fail, but there are a handful who know your potential even better than you know for yourself. Time for you to get to know it for yourself as well.

Be Renewed.