When I was just a young kid working out at a local power lifter's gym, I learned from a beefy body-builder the key that has allowed me to stay in shape for 27 years and profoundly changed my outlook on fitness and, well, just about everything else that I want to accomplish.

I was complaining about having to workout when a weightlifter whose arms were about the same size as my thighs said, "Quit moaning. Nobody likes working out, but everybody likes this," and he raised his arms and did the classic body builder double bicep pose. It wasn't exactly a road to Damascus moment for me, but the more I thought about it the more significant it became. You mean these guys that seemed to be in here 3 hours a day didn't enjoy it? It seemed like they had to enjoy it; that they were just wired differently than the rest of us.

I asked some of the other guys about that and always got the some variation of the same thing. "Hell no! I don't like doing this crap, but I like the results."
"Hate working out, but hate missing a workout more."
And when I really starting thinking about it, I realized of course they didn't enjoy the process. Working out is not fun. Exercising, other than playing a sport, is not pleasurable. It's hard, time consuming and often boring.

So why do so many choose to exercise? And why have I for the last 27 years? It's because of the consequences, the results. The goal. In order to achieve a goal, you must to want it more than you want to avoid the cost of achieving it (and there's always a cost). In other words motivation is the key and that is why in all the books tricks and diets in the world can't solve your fitness issue, until you are motivated enough to trade your time and your comfort, in exchange for a better appearing and more confident you. If you really think about it, wouldn't you rather be leaner and more fit, if it cost nothing. Wouldn't you rather have the confidence of being in great shape if you didn't ever have to spend one day in the gym? Of course you would; we all would, but that's just not going to happen. So how much would it be worth to you? Are you willing to change your eating habits and begin an exercise routine? Would that be worth it to be in the best physical shape of your life?

There are some great books and programs out there and online that cover diet and exercise. There are so many different ways to train and so many different programs that attempt to keep it interesting, but if your desire to finally make the changes you want, doesn't trump your dislike of exerting yourself or spending some time sweating, you won't be able to. Look at it this way. Imagine, a scale with your desire for a more fitter you on one side and the investment, in time energy and emotion that it will cost you on the other. Which is heavier? Which side wins? If the desire doesn't win then that is the problem you need to address before you spend any time or money on a new routine or gym membership.

That is the realization that turned what was probably just an excuse by a body builder to show off into a real epiphany. And actually, it applies to anything you want to accomplish. If your desire to achieve it is greater than the perceived cost, you will be working hard to make it happen. If not, then, the status quo reigns supreme. The status quo is often your biggest obstacle to achieving any goal.