You Desire Results

In today's fast-paced world, everything is available at our fingertips, and we crave quick results. Perhaps we gauge success in fitness incorrectly. You seek tangible proof that your hard work is worthwhile, and that can create pressure. When your focus is solely on outcomes, exercise can start to feel like a burdensome task—similar to a dreaded doctor's appointment that you know is beneficial but would rather avoid.

Ironically, while exercise can alleviate stress, the anticipation of it can lead to even more anxiety.

Your Mindset: Ally or Adversary

On average, we have over 60,000 thoughts each day. With such a high volume of mental activity, it's crucial to discern which thoughts merit our attention. Unless you’re excited about tackling a workout after a long day, it might be wise to practice detaching from distracting thoughts. This skill can be cultivated over time.

Many of our thoughts are merely fleeting distractions that do not align with our goals. The only thought worth focusing on is maintaining consistency in your fitness routine.

Measuring Your Progress

We all have aspirations, and the desire for proof that our efforts will pay off can be intense. However, it's easy to let one missed workout turn into two or three. Why does this happen? Because we are human. Sometimes we overexert ourselves instead of being strategic.

Clearly define how you measure success. Is it achieving a perfect physique or establishing a daily movement habit that brings you closer to your fitness goals?

Running: A Personal Example

In a previous life, I often found myself sprinting toward the ice cream truck! I frequently emphasize that I don't run solely for weight loss—although it is a beneficial side effect. My running sessions are primarily aimed at enhancing my mental well-being and stabilizing my mood.

If you set out for a 45-minute workout but only manage 10 minutes, does that make you a failure? Absolutely not! What truly matters is how you utilize that brief time—are you practicing good form, listening to your body, and maximizing your effort?

The Reality of Workouts

In a perfect scenario, exercising at the gym or at home would be an enjoyable experience, complete with your favorite playlist and a supportive trainer at your side. However, that is not the reality. Workouts can be tough, filled with heavy breathing and self-doubt.

As a teacher, I can relate to students who frequently complain about tasks. If I had a dollar for every complaint, I could easily buy a book on resilience!

Showing Up for Yourself

"I feel worse than I did before that workout!" is a phrase no one utters. Recently, I planned to run three miles on my treadmill but instead found myself procrastinating, engaging in various distractions. Eventually, I recognized that the likelihood of achieving my goal was as slim as a bipartisan meeting between politicians.

So, I decided to shift my mindset and simply complete the workout. I ended up running for about 20 to 25 minutes, feeling accomplished afterward.

The key to owning your workouts lies in finishing them, regardless of whether you manage five minutes or fifty.

Final Thoughts

Working out is about moving beyond excuses, forgiving yourself for lapses in motivation, and committing to some form of activity. You cannot wait for motivation to strike; rather, take action first, and motivation will follow.

Now, about those tempting fries…

Thank you for sticking with me through this journey! I hope you found value in this discussion. If you enjoyed this, consider exploring my account of a challenging morning as a personal trainer. I’m also open to suggestions for topics related to mental and physical health that deserve more attention!