The blockbuster Disney movie, “A Wrinkle in Time”, almost did not get made. The book is about a young heroine who travels through time and space to find her scientist father who vanished mysteriously. Publishers did not think children would understand a complex book which mixed quantum physics, interplanetary-travel, good and evil, and had a female protagonist in a science fiction novel.

When Madeline L’Engle, the author, took her manuscript to editors, she was told that the themes in the book were too complicated for children. She was rejected 26 times before finally being published in 1962. The following year, the book won the Newberry Award for the best children’s literature.  Madeline L’Engle showed true persistence just to get her novel published. But that is not where the story ends.

In Los Angeles, a young girl, Catherine Hand, is sent to the library for talking too much in class. The librarian hands Catherine a book and tells her, “I think you will like this book. It’s about a girl just like you.”  The book, “A Wrinkle in Time” captivated Catherine’s imagination so much that she promised herself that when she grew up, she would turn the book into a movie.

In 1979, Catherine becomes an assistant executive-producer to Norman Lear, the creator of many successful television shows like “All in the Family” and “Sanford and Sons.” Catherine convinced Norman to purchase the movie rights to “A Wrinkle in Time” and for the next ten years, she worked to get the book made into a movie but failed. Eventually Catherine moved on to become the Vice-President of Embassy Pictures, but never forgot her goal.

Finally, in 2003, she became the Executive Producer for a TV-made version of “A Wrinkle in Time.” Due to the many budget and other constraints, both Catherine and Madeline L’Engle were disappointed by the final version of the book. Catherine did not give up but continued to pursue her dream.

Fourteen years after the failed TV version and 54 years after first reading “A Wrinkle in Time,” Catherine achieved the success she desired as one of the producers of the blockbuster film.

Catherine Hand and Madeline L’Engle never gave up on their dreams and goals. Despite time, rejection and failure, they persisted until the goal was reached.

Any goal that is worth accomplishing will take persistence and may face failure more than once before success is achieved.

Looking for a Quick Fix to fitness or Weight Loss?

One of our biggest frustrations about the fitness industry is the constant barrage of ads promoting quick fixes for getting in shape and shedding weight. “Lose 15 pounds in Four Weeks!”, “Eat Anything You Want and Lose Weight!”, “6 Minute Abs”,

Myths, manipulation and outright lying seem to be the marketing game plan for the industry. If fitness and weight loss were so easy, everyone would be in great shape and we would not have an obesity epidemic in this country.

New York Times Best Selling Author and Leadership Expert, John Maxwell, lays out three realities of life in his book, “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn.”

1. Life is Difficult
2. Life is Difficult for Everyone
3. Life is More Difficult for Some Than for Others

The same is true for fitness and weight loss. Fitness and weight loss are difficult. Fitness and weight loss are difficult for everyone. Fitness and weight loss are more difficult for some than for others. 

Fitness and weight loss take consistent effort and time. Progress is not linear. Some days are better than others. Even fitness professionals struggle. There are days where the last thing we want to do is come to the gym and push ourselves. But we do. And the consistency pays off over time. Progress can be slow, but the more dedicated we are to getting to the gym and doing something, the closer we come to reaching our fitness and weight goals.

Now that you know the truth – That Fitness is difficult, it is difficult for everyone and is more difficult for some than for others – you have a choice, accept the fact that you will have to put time and energy in to get the results you want or keep trying the quick fix promises of marketing promoters. Put in the time and energy knowing the path will be difficult at times and you can reach your goals or keep grabbing at the quick fix promises and never reach your fitness or weight loss goals.

If you want to move forward with your fitness and weight loss goals, email me at Jim@strengthforlife.us or call 484-441-6126.

1. 1. This month, our Fitness is how to do the Squat Movement Pattern
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   3. The squat is one of the basic human movement patterns. All movement can be broken down into a few basic patterns. These include the squat, hinge, lunge, push, pull, twist and gait patterns. Every exercise program should include variations of each of these movement patterns unless there is a physical reason like an injury that would prevent a person from performing the movement safely.   

      BENEFITS

      The squat pattern has many benefits. These include:

   4. Improved mobility in the ankles, knees, hips and thoracic spine.

    

2. Improves mobility. Improving the squat pattern can help us move better by improving our range of motion in the hips and ankles.

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4. Strength Gains. Squats make you stronger. Strength is important not only for athletes but helps keep our bones strong and may contribute to better balance as we age.

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6. Fat Burning. Using a high repetition squat program while you are in a negative caloric balance can contribute to fat loss.

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8. Development of Muscle Mass. The squat develops the muscles around the hips and lower body – specifically the glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps.