Growing up, I was a competitive swimmer. After giving us our workout, our swim coach would bark, “Remember! Pain is weakness leaving the body!” Later, I would find out this was a United States Marine Corps mantra, but that saying has not only always stuck with me, but also gotten me through many a workout and over the years, I have adopted it as my modus operandi.

The next time you feel like giving up, repeat those words, or anything else you find motivating, and give it a few more minutes or a few more reps. Visualize yourself transforming from what you used to be. Visualize yourself breaking away from those bad habits. With every bead of sweat that trips from your pores, you ARE getting stronger and you ARE getting closer to your goals!

Remember, you’re doing a fantastic job. Keep up the good work and know that you CAN work through any tough obstacle you come across!