And in the face of that level of success, it can be tempting to feel like our own journeys somehow fall short. We look at where we are now and think, "I'm not good enough. I don't have enough. I can't do enough."
But as the legendary Arthur Ashe reminds us, "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
These words cut right to the heart of what true, sustainable fitness transformation is all about. It's not about striving for some idealized, unattainable version of ourselves. It's about embracing the reality of where we're at, and then taking the necessary steps to move forward.
Ashe's advice is a powerful antidote to the paralysis that can so often set in when we're faced with the sheer magnitude of our fitness goals. It encourages us to forget about the end result for a moment and instead focus on the immediate, actionable steps we can take right now.
Start where you are. Maybe that means you're just beginning your fitness journey, or maybe you're looking to get back on track after a setback. Wherever you're at, that's the perfect starting point. Don't compare yourself to others or hold yourself to unrealistic standards. Just begin.
Use what you have. Whether it's a pair of running shoes, a resistance band, or just your own bodyweight, you have everything you need to get moving and make progress. Don't let a lack of fancy equipment or a fully-stocked gym hold you back.
Do what you can. This is perhaps the most important piece of Ashe's advice. It's not about pushing yourself to the point of burnout or injury. It's about acknowledging your current capabilities and limitations, and then doing the best you can with what you've got.
By embracing this mindset, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of possibility. Instead of getting bogged down by what we lack, we can focus on making the most of what we have. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" moment to start, we can capitalize on the here and now.
And as we continue to show up, day after day, doing what we can with what we have, we'll be amazed at the transformations that begin to take shape. Fitness isn't about perfection - it's about progress. It's about starting where you are and letting the rest unfold.
So the next time you find yourself doubting your fitness journey, remember Arthur Ashe's wise words. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. And watch the impossible become possible.