There is this thing, on the Peloton and maybe elsewhere, called the FTP (Functional Threshold Power). The participant takes a 20-minute cycling test to determine what kind of power or output she could hypothetically sustain for around one hour. It’s a hard test, but when it’s done, the computer calculates how much output you are capable of in 7 zones, ranging from easiest to hardest. These zones will then populate your screen on the Peloton until you retake the FTP test. Why am I even sharing this and what does it have to do with you?

What I love and hate about the FTP test is—it doesn’t lie. You can’t fudge an FTP test. There’s no cheating on it either. You put in the work on the 20-minute test and the truth gets delivered to you almost instantaneously. You can’t talk to the computer afterword and explain why you didn’t bike well that day. The FTP is a truth-teller. If you want a different result, you have to put in the work—end of story.

I wish life had a few FTP tests in it. I love truth-tellers. It may sting at first, but at least I don’t feel like I’m fooling myself. I can very easily get caught up in my own story, that’s FILLED with excuses, but what good is that? What truth do you and I need to tell ourselves today? Here are a few truths that might apply—I am not managing my finances well and I need to stop; I am not happy; I don’t like my job; My health is at risk and I need to make a change; My mental health is not in a good place and I need to see someone. I’m angry. Do any of these resonate with you? Did you think of a different truth? Sometimes we need the truth and no one is going to tell it to us, but ourselves. Will you be your own truth-teller? You might be the only one that really knows your truth. It’s time. Everyone has a truth they aren’t telling themselves.

“If you want a different result, you have to put in the work—end of story.” ~ Beth Fitzgerald

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!

Beth