​​​​​At the start of summer, I challenged my 9-year-old son to a “50 push up a day challenge”. It started as a silly joke because the child is so darn strong and has had a 6-pack since he was about 5 years old and I sort of wanted to show him Mom was strong too.

As the summer days rolled on, it became a fun way to encourage and coax each other on. It also became quite the challenge.

Every day, since about the 3rd week of May, I’ve done 50 push-ups. Except when I started to fall behind. There were a few days, early on in the challenge, where I forgot/didn’t prioritize/slacked off… which resulted in my having the hard decision of making up 200 push-ups or throw in the towel.

I was faced with a choice… admit defeat or suck it up and make up those 200 push-ups in one day. So between waiting for the microwave to reheat my morning cup of coffee and quick moments between client sessions… I made up those 200 push-ups… it was a long day!!

The main reason I knocked out those 200 make-up push-ups in one day, is because I needed to really embrace the hard work that I’d agreed to. Sure I could have quit, but quitting a summer challenge between you and your kid feels like garbage. Plus, I also felt like I needed to pay the consequences of falling behind, so 200 in a day was my price to pay.

And the remarkable thing about this silly challenge is that I can actually feel myself getting stronger. Now I’m no powerlifter, but knowing that I’ve been doing 50 push-ups each day, has really got me feeling confident about taking on another challenge.

Because at the end of the day, there’s no easy way to success.

It’s true in love and it’s true when it comes to push-ups. You need to embrace the hard work (and be consistent) in order to reap the rewards.

I’m proud to say, I’m still at it and haven’t fallen behind since.

So, what about you? What are you challenging yourself to do this summer? Any relationship goals the two of you are working towards? How can you encourage each other to be consistent while also making the work of love fun?

I encourage the two of you to find your own challenge and really embrace the hard work of love by making it fun.

I’m here cheering you on (with slightly more toned arms).

-A

P.S. If you’re struggling to work together or find a love challenge that really fires you up… reach out. I’m here to support and encourage in all the ways I can.