Trust the Process

I was recently travelling to an unfamiliar city and working out at a hotel gym. The workout felt heavy and hard, and I was alone in the gym.

In my ears was a coach from the popular fitness app, Peleton. I was struggling, sweating, and only about halfway through the online class. I stared intently at the ground, making sure I did not trip or fall. I fixated on the time left, wondering when it would be over.  Then, I heard her acknowledge that this was the toughest part of the workout. She said, “Keep your eyes up. There is nothing on the ground for you.”

In desperation, I took this advice. I forced myself to look up, expecting joy.  However, all I saw was blackness. I found myself staring at a dark, empty screen attached to the top of the treadmill.  At first, it was jarring. I no longer saw my feet below me. I could no longer watch the minutes countdown until the class was over.  But then I realized a change.  I was staring at darkness and still putting one foot in front of the other, accepting the unknowns of time and progress. I still struggled, but I surrendered control. Once I let go, the challenge felt a little easier.

Trusting the process is about moving forward even when you don’t know the outcome or the finish line. It’s putting faith in yourself, your resilience, and all your past experiences. The truth is that I’d run on a treadmill many times before, and deep down, I knew it would be okay. That is what it feels like to trust the process. 

I don’t diminish the struggle or the fear of the unknown.  I still falter when facing challenging moments.  But I reflect, pause, and remember to trust in myself.  You will get to the finish line.  You will look back and be proud.  You will finish your own race, through darkness and light. 

Eyes up, do the work, and trust the process.