Most mornings I go to the gym at 5am. It is really, really early. I am always surprised by how many people are there at that time – joining me in the pain of working out before dawn.
What most impresses me are parents that bring their teens to the gym at that time. Dragging them out of bed at that hour can’t be easy – or perhaps more challenging would be getting them in to bed at a reasonable time the night before – but somehow they do it. Every morning.
I was talking to a friend there, now in her 30’s and asked her how long she had been coming along to the gym at that time. She told me she had come every weekday since she was 15, when her parents used to get her out of bed and drag her along. She hated it at first. In fact, more than at first. Most of the high school years she resented it. But it was after school that she began to appreciate it. Not because it became any easier, but simply because she had turned it in to a habit that followed her in to her adult life.
I often see people complain or struggle with going to the gym, but I personally don’t find this at all. For me it is just a habit, something I do everyday. I don’t think about it. It is like drinking water or breathing air.
The teenage years are a crucial time for teens as they build habits that will last with them the rest of their lives. Sometimes they don’t even realise they are creating these habits, they just become a part of who they are. There are no other times in a person’s life that will impact their identity as much as these years.
Intentionally creating a habit of excellence is not easy. It will be tiring and draining and probably cause conflict, but it will be so worth it.
This isn’t just about going to the gym. It is about everything that impacts a teens life. Their studies, their friends, their goals. By building good habits now they won’t become challenging later on – they will just become part of who they are. Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!
