So I had a nice conversation with my client today about why people think in terms of all or nothing! Black or white. We have all been there! In terms of health and fitness who hasn’t said “I’ll start monday” or “I ate bad this morning so all is lost and I will start over tomorrow”.
Why is this?
Why do we think that if we make one mistake, miss one workout, forget to log one meal that we have failed and failed till we start all over? Why is it so hard to turn our mindsets around? So I missed logging a meal…. Go back, log it and move on. I had a bad meal…..well eat a healthy one for the next! I misses a workout….so make the next one awesome!
So many people that I talk to decide that if they are going to workout they have to start gung ho! Working out everyday, logging every meal, going to bed early, no alcohol, candy or junk food. Making all of these goals all at once. If I do it all at once I will be motivated and able to do everything. Most people realize this is setting themselves up for failure but do it anyways. Its looking at the big picture and not the small goals that are needed to get there.
How do we stop thinking about it as all or nothing. Not setting ourselves up, dropping out when we mess up. Why not start now and if I mess up bounce back right away and doing the best you can. Starting off small and building on those goals. Trying to do something to meet your goals everyday. I am terrible about telling myself I forgot to log my breakfast so I’ll start up again tomorrow.
We never remember how hard it is to start back up to something after we have taken time off. How much more difficult things will be! We know that consistency is key! Success doesn’t come from all or nothing but from trying to do better every day.
For instance I decided to go for a run today. What was I thinking! Better yet, what was I thinking not running all of last week! Last week was cold! I had all intentions of getting in a few runs but when the time came I could feel my toes freezing and I hadn’t even stepped outside yet! It was cold and I missed my Monday run so in my mind the weeks runs were ruined. REALLY Courtney....
Boy was that a mistake! I am pretty sure I had cement bricks hanging from my knees, was going into the wind the ENTIRE time AND uphill the whole way! Well probably not but it sure did feel like it!
I know not everyone likes running or runs at all. ( I don’t particularly love it but I DO feel better after!) This goes for anything cardio, weights, yoga all kinds of stuff. If you take time off it can be a real struggle for the first few times back! Today was for sure and I have a feeling tomorrow will be too! I have decided that even if I have to jump on the treadmill for a quick run a few times a week rather than being able to get outside for some great run it will be well worth it! Keeping in the groove! Keeping moving!
It is about being consistent. Making habits and sticking with them whatever they are! Weights don’t get heavier when you come back to them your muscles get weaker. You can still run but it sure feels a lot harder!
