Watching the Olympics, I am struck by the mental fitness required to compete at this level. And the unbelievable commitment to their training – every single day. Competing at the highest level in the world isn’t a project with a end date and goal in mind. Rather, it’s an ongoing process, part of a long-term lifestyle, and it’s something I haven’t quite come to terms with in my own world.
I’m no longer any kind of an athlete, I’m not competing for a medal, I’m not even a very good participant … but I am trying to meet my own goals and change the many years of pattern eating and lack of exercise that became my way of living. Being fit isn’t some magical thing, it’s not stagnant, and it requires constant effort. Not too different from those Olympians, I have to remind myself every day that I must stay committed to my own experience.
Maybe everyone struggles with the mental side of being active. It does help to remember that being fit isn’t a permanent state of being. It’s an act of will, and it requires discipline to go from effort to habit. But I really do struggle with this. I find it very easy to “decide” not to go to the pool, or not do band exercises, or even ignore my Fitbit as it buzzes me a reminder.
I read recently that you shouldn’t set “goals.” Goals are overrated, they said. Apparently most people set goals that are not attainable. And of course the rewards, the positive outcomes, are all delayed. Weight loss. Health benefits. Better mood. Those things don’t show themselves quickly. The negatives do – being hungry, having cravings, feeling tired. So, how do you navigate the negatives?
Maybe it’s best to focus on the process. Everyone struggles when trying to change the routine or do something new. But goals? I still think I need mine. And I don’t think it’s unreasonable. It’s normal to struggle, and perhaps it makes it easier to focus on the path to the good things down the road?
There’s a lot to be said for realizing the importance of habits in our lives. The reality is this: Going from no workout routine to having one is a major lifestyle change for me. I’ve been up and down on this. Most experts recommend working out in the morning – check. Set out your workout clothes the night before (or pack my swim bag) – check. Structure your environment so that physical activity is the default choice – not really. We all know these suggestions … park farther from the entrance, get up and walk every hour, walk whenever and wherever you can. And I’m just not getting this done.
Time to redefine myself as an active person, not just in terms of planned exercise, but in the everyday small ways. Being active is a constant process, and for me that’s the greater part of the challenge. Rather than lose motivation from feelings of failure, I have to just keep at it. Fitness isn’t a goal, it’s a lifelong process!