This is my first post in February, or what is otherwise known as the beginning of “The Annual Black Hole of Gym Memberships” for most people.

Did you know that a staggering 90% of people who join a gym as part of a “New Year — New You” resolution will stop going within three months?

NINETY PERCENT.

That’s a big elephant in the room. An elephant that represents failure (again!), and the realization that we may never be one of those people — the ones who stick with things and succeed.

It’d be one thing if it was just a gym elephant, but here’s the insidious thing about the “I always try and never succeed” elephant: he doesn’t stay in the workout room. He follows us into other rooms.

Into the “I need to be more organized” room, and then the “I’m going to read the Bible this year” room. Give him enough time, and he’ll squeeze himself into other unexpected spaces, too.

Late at night, you may wake up and find him in the bed next to you, an unwelcome reminder that you forgot to do that thing you promised your son or daughter that you’d do. “No, really,” you’d said, “I promise I’ll do it this time.”

It’s ironic, isn’t it, that the elephant that never forgets is really good at making sure we never forget our shortcomings, or our past attempts to do better or be better? It can feel overwhelming, but what if I told you that it is possible to change past patterns?

What if I told you that you could eat that elephant? I know what you’re thinking. Continue reading