The first step is always difficult. You have to understand that there is a goal to be achieved. The fear of the unknown can make you hesitate and question your ability to succeed.

Psychology Today defines fear as, “an emotional response induced by a perceived threat that causes a change in brain and organ function, as well as in behavior. Fear can lead us to hide, to run away, or to freeze in our shoes. Fear may arise from a confrontation or from avoiding a threat, or it may come in the form of a discovery.”

Fitness, for some, is automatic, almost natural, and little thought is required. To others, fitness requires a well thought out plan. The plan can include having a partner on the journey to offer moral support.

The following motivational quote is from Dean Karnazes: “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” Karnazes adds, “Nothing is harder than running a marathon. When you get to mile 5, you are just starting. Mile 13 is only the midpoint. Every person that has run a marathon will have a story of their first marathon. Mile 20 is the point of no return. You have to literally dig deeper than you ever have to finish those last 6 miles. There are moments that you’ll walk and moments you’ll pause… but you never stop.”

In this column, Tatiana Molina shares thoughts on changing her lifestyle. “I started getting serious about my fitness plan about a year ago. I wanted to feel confident as the summer approached.”

Molina stated there were doubts. They ranged “from actually sticking to the fitness program, changing my eating habits, to figuring out how I was actually going to reach my goal.”

There was hesitation in the beginning: “I was so intimidated when I first started. I watched so many people doing their routine with so much confidence, and I was just there starting out, not really sure which part of my body I wanted to work on so, I started off with the treadmill. I’m still getting comfortable every day. I try to push myself to try at least one thing I haven’t tried when no one is around.”

The reason for wanting to make a change? “I didn’t like to feel uncomfortable in my body. I wanted to gain healthy weight and strength. I mostly do free weights and the machines, but I have run some short races, and my goal is to gain more muscle weight and educate myself on proper nutrition, not only for myself, but to help my family and friends.”

But, along the way, she has faced some challenges. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not making any progress and that can discourage me from going to the gym, but then I remind myself how I used to feel before I started the program and it motivates me to go and eat healthy. My biggest challenge used to be my friends—they would persuade me to skip the gym and hang out with them.”

Molina has made changes and it has been emotional, “This was my first concern—changing my lifestyle. Before starting my fitness program, I would go to work, meet up with friends for drinks or dinner and go home, or I would go shopping. Yes! I could be lethargic all day, even at the gym, but then after the gym I feel accomplished and satisfied with my decision to make it to my workout.”

All workouts do not go according to plan and adjustments must be made. “I used to write if off completely, but I would go home and look up videos. I try the workout several times now before giving up on it all together. I also ask others for tips and advice on different work outs.”

Since starting, Molina has seen benefits: “I feel a lot stronger and healthier and have more energy. I have also met more people through the gym. I’m doing it on my own now, but I have scheduled a work session with a personal trainer in the past to get some ideas on different workouts. I used to waste a lot of time at the gym by just walking around, taking longer breaks, going back to the locker room.”

Molina comments on the future: “I plan on doing this long-term and even switching it up by adding a yoga class. I would love to try swimming as well. I had to give up a lot of ‘hang out’ time with friends and family. It’s hard at first because I felt bad that I was putting the gym before my friends and family, but I’m putting myself and health first.”

Competition is not the motivator for Molina: “I have done the Boston 5K, L.A. 5K, and several others. I love running races where I get a medal or coin. I recently got into mud runs as well. I would like to do the Army Ten-Miler one day or the Marine Corps 10K or maybe both.”

Molina shares comments for others: “Start today, and do not give up. Be patient with your body and stick to your routine. I can also guarantee you that no one is watching you try that new work out at the gym. Just like you, people are focused on improving themselves. I have learned to stay consistent with myself and how to say no. No to junk food, no to anything that isn’t good for me all together. I feel more confident and empowered.”