Unfortunately, it seems like people don’t have much patience nowadays. People want that new phone now, they want a new car now, they want new clothes now, I want to lose weight now and the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong — I am guilty of this, too. Where is the patience? My parents save all the money for a car before they purchase it. The only time I did that is when I bought my first car in the US, which was $425. Now, one car payment per month is pretty much budgeted. I have been very fortunate to grow up the way I did, as a baker’s daughter. We had to work hard and a lot but it made me the person I am today. We learned the value of money and also were taught you have to work for things. My competitive sports background also taught me that things take hard work and dedication, but you are still not guaranteed of anything. But that is part of life, right?

These days, too many people feel things are “owed” to them — to have this and to have that. With that attitude, most of them are set up for great disappointment and/or failure. When something doesn’t go well, instead of trying again, people give up. I was teaching ski lessons years ago. When you are a novice and have never skis on before, it can be a challenge just to stand up. In the morning, I was working on getting the group comfortable with the skis, moving around, turning and even going down the bunny hill. Within an hour of falling and hard work, many in the group were ready to give up. I guess they thought their progress wasn’t fast enough.

I had a sit-down with them and explained that it takes time, effort and dedication to master anything. Because I did not let them quit (a word that is not in my vocabulary), after lunch they were all skiing, even using the lift and coming down the “real” mountain. Our society has become an “I want it now” society. People are giving up too soon and feel they are owed whatever they want. If they don’t do well in a class, they say, “I am bad in that class and I will never be able to do that.” It might take you longer than others or you might even need extra help. But if you stick with something, with hard work, dedication and effort you can move mountains. It is amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. Will you fail? Yes, and you might even have to adjust your goals, but never give up. I just recently became the girls’ track and field coach at West Rowan High School, and I love it. Yes, I am still at the YMCA. I love the dedication and hard work the kids show me who come to practice. And, it gives me another platform to teach what I believe in — health, happiness, dedication, hard work, respect, responsibility, honesty, caring and patience. So, whether you are getting ready for a county track and field meet, try to lose weight, running your first 5K or doing your first triathlon, don’t give up too easily. If you do not reach your goal, get back on track and try again. If you continue to fail, adjust your goal and use small steps to get there. It might take a bit longer than you expected, but with faith, hard work and dedication, all things are possible. My favorite verse in the Bible: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.

So, in a nutshell — If you want something you have to work for it. But, just because you work for it does not mean you will get it. But the road of hard work and persistence will open so many other doors and opportunities that it will be worth it.

Ester Marsh ACSM Cpt, Health and Fitness Director Hurley YMCA and WRHS Girls Track and Field Coach