THE Willpower

How to muster it, and how to maintain it…

There are some mornings when I wake up and just want to stay in bed, or when I can’t resist having a second, third – or fourth – cookie. The best advice I can give is: don’t give up. Getting what we desire in life takes time and effort.

Early in my career, I suffered a stress fracture in my lower spine that meant I had to we arab race and go through rehabilitation for an entire year. I made it back to the stage and eventually became a soloist, but it would be another eight years before I got promoted to principal. During that time, I dealt with harsh criticism of some of my performances, another debilitating injury, and periods of deep doubt that I would ever achieve my ultimate goal.

I had to take it a day, an hour, a relevé at a time. When I was hurt and unable to dance, I practised my moves while lying on the floor, and I pirouetted inside my head. When criticism of my technique got me down, I thought about what my giving up would mean.

I also tried to not be so hard on myself. An occasional glass of champagne or cheddar biscuit was fine. I would carve out time to relax with friends. And I tried to remember to pat myself on the back for triumphs large and small.

When you skip a day of exercise, that’s not a reason to berate yourself – or a reason to abandon your workout plan altogether. Remember that tomorrow can be a new beginning, a chance to recommit to your aspirations. Clear your mind, focus your energy, and once you’re revived, pick up and start again.