I just watched a clip from the last Rocky movie (Rocky 23, was it?) and there’s a quote in there that I love (and I’m going to paraphrase it just a little bit): “It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. You have to be willing to take the hits and not point fingers saying you’re not where you want to be because of him, her, or anybody.”

This applies to taking on a new lifestyle of eating (also known as a new diet), tackling a new fitness plan, or any other challenge in life. Taking the hits with a diet is not caving in to temptation or cheats (or, as I call them, sabotage). Taking the hits is when people try to entice you to have “Just one bite” of a sweet or non-compliant meal. Taking the hits is when someone calls your diet “Weird” or tells you that it didn’t work for them or it won’t work for you. You just keep on going; keep on putting in the work, stick to the discipline, and persevere.

Taking the hits in fitness is getting out there even when you don’t feel like it. Taking the hits is working through the muscle pain and stretching to get ready for the next workout. Taking the hits is getting on the road even if it’s cold out (or hot out). Taking the hits is getting out on the street or into the gym even when you know you don’t look your best (or your body image is poor). Get in there, and get it done.

Perseverance. That’s the name of the game. Don’t let ANYTHING or ANYONE stand in your way. You want it? TAKE IT! It’s all up to you! TAKE THE HITS!