In the early stages of the program Shaq was frustrated because he felt that he was giving the kids all of the tools that they needed to accomplish their goals of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle. I believe that Shaq experienced frustration in the beginning of the program because he needed to realize that it wasn't about his effort and willingness to help these kids.
A person can have all the tools necessary to accomplish the task. The tools will not work without the commitment and desire to accomplish. Before setting out to achieve any goal a person must be willing to realize that there will be a certain amount of pain involved in the process. That pain can come in many shapes and sizes.
The person who is starting a new fitness and exercise program must be willing to put up with the inconvenience of taking time out of his/her schedule to make for workout time. Along with the workout often times there are sore muscles. There's often the frustration of not being able to do the exercises to one's own satisfaction. It's never easy. It's important to press on and give yourself a chance.
A person starting a new job or moving from one department to another must learn all the rules and regulations and tricks of the trade to doing the job well. It takes time. It might even take longer than one would like. There can be anger and frustration involved as well as embarrassment. There is always pain of some sort. A majority of the group of kids who started Shaq's program never finished. All of the kids were given the same tools to succeed. Many quit but the few that did follow the plan were delighted in their achievement. The kids that did make it decided that the pain and discomfort that they went through was nothing compared to the pain and discomfort that they were going through living their present lives. By seeing their mission through to the end these kids found the pleasure that often times follows the pain.
The kids who successfully completed the program found individual success for themselves and in finding that success they inspired others to try the program in the future. It is my understanding that Shaq's program is now funded by the state government and has become a model program that helps kids live healthier and more fulfilled lives.
What goals do you have? Are you willing to go through the pain to gain the pleasure? Are your goals so important to you that you would be willing to suffer before you are able to smile? Stay the course. Struggle builds character.
