Impress Yourself Today

​Every week, without fail, I’m late for my pilates class. Now, I’m not always late for everything. In fact, I have become quite punctual over the years. But for some reason, I simply can’t seem to get to that weekly 9:15am class on time. Perhaps it’s because on more than one occasion, when I arrived around 9:20 or 9:30, I noticed the class hadn’t even started yet. So why should I rush through the morning if they can’t even start on time? I’d like to blame my 3 kids under 7, but that’s not really a valid excuse. If we are talking honestly, I’d have to admit that it is feasible to brush all their teeth, pack all their lunches, and even clean up some spilled milk and still get to my class on time.
 
I suppose I have been struck with the disease of routine, and not a good one. I am routinely late for pilates, so why should this week be any different? Well, I’ll tell you why. This week, my teacher’s teacher flew in from another country to teach our class. She one of these pilates experts who can do a perfect plank forever, while chatting away, smiling, and of course, never breaks a sweat. My teacher told me once, and then twice, to please please be on time for the class especially THIS week.

"Our limitations are so ingrained in our minds, we trick ourselves into thinking they represent reality."

I was distraught. I thought to myself, “maybe it’s better that I skip the class than disrespectfully show up late.” So that was it. I decided if there were too many disasters in the morning and I couldn’t get to class by 9:15, I’d simply skip it.
 
Then something miraculous happened. I woke up at 7, as usual, and I got everyone dressed, fed, cleaned, brushed, and out the door by 8-something. I was even back home by 8:30 and had leisurely time to dollop around some ant poison, throw in a load of laundry, and tackle some dishes. What happened?? I was amazed, impressed, and dumbfounded. Why can’t I do this every week?
 
The answer is simple: we limit ourselves. I had resigned myself to coming late to class every week. That became my new normal and so it was. Today, however, I did not follow my normal routine. I stretched myself today and I accomplished something real. It’s a little something, but it has inspired me. When I put my mind to it, I can do it. That’s incredible and true. I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard this lesson, but to experience it is the real gold. Our limitations are so ingrained in our minds, we trick ourselves into thinking they represent reality. Do not be fooled! Go out on a limb today. Try a little harder. Push yourself and you will achieve.