I had enrolled in a new dance class. It had been something I had always wanted to do - learn how to dance, and I was disappointed by my complete lack of coordination, strength and agility compared to the other people in the class. It didn't help that I was taller than all bar the instructor, carried about 20 kilos more than all of them, and was at least 20 years older. I felt like I was having a mid life crisis. Except I wasn't.

I was fulfilling a dream, and a long anticipated goal by going to class last night. And for the next 5 weeks I shall be practicing, I shall be working hard to change my self-perception, self-image, my fear of falling on my face and my complete ungainliness.

But there are some other things I need to share with you.

Overcoming the procrastination habit can be as simple as picking up the telephone directory, finding a telephone number and giving the organisation a call. In my case it was a dance studio. For you it might be a doctor, a dentist, a nutritionist or an employment agency.
Booking the time into my diary and paying for the course up front. There was no way I was going to miss these classes, I'd paid for them.

Turning up last night - there was absolutely no parking - anywhere. Now what? Turns out a concert was being held in the football stadium in the street next to the studio and I didn't know. Perhaps I should listen to the local radio station a bit more often. But then again. So I find a spot - about a mile away from the studio and jogged figuring at least my muscles would be warm by the time I got there. And yes I was certainly warm, nervous dread and anticipation combined with an endorphin rush.

The class started and followed the usual pattern - expectations, course coverage, experience of trainer, what is expected of the participants and what will happen if it all goes horribly wrong....in the case of the latter - carpet burns...but I'll explain more about that later.

I had a feeling that my normal gym workout, plus the floor work that I had done (including boy type push ups - flat palm and knuckles) would stand me in good stead for what was about to occur. Turns out I was almost right, and I was not as fit as I thought I was. Looks like I am going to have to ramp up all the exercise components so I don't get left behind.

It also turns out I should have worked more on chin ups and bicep dips and finger strengthening and yet more abdominal work - but now I know I can adapt my training.

So I had a plan, I had put it into operation and then when I realised that I needed to change i did so. Which is standard practice for any goal that you are pursuing. And I know I have some "homework" to do if I want to keep up.

OK, I know you're wondering what carpet burn has to do with dancing...well we had bare feet and in some cases knees. But the strength and agility comes from trying to hold your body weight up using hand grips around a 45mm pole while trying to spin by gripping with just the back of one knee. Believe me I now have a healthy respect for people who do this kind of thing for a living. And no I don't intend taking it up as a living - just wanted to give it a go.

And the reason is simple. I have never been able to climb ropes or poles - I will learn how. I have never been able to do chin ups - I will be able to. I will lose weight - quickly, change shape, get fit, increase my cardiovascular capability, learn how to dance, reduce my body fat / lean body mass composition, reduce my BMI and challenge my thinking all at the same time, while having a laugh. In our case, complete hysteria as we all got it wrong, time and time and time again.

How many pre-conceived ideas are you willing to challenge in order to achieve your goals?

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"What is now proved was once only imagined" William Blake
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