What a challenge!
Are You Ready?
There is no doubt about it: life’s challenges create change within us when we meet them head-on. I mean, have you ever parented a toddler or met a twelve year old girl? I have always loved a good challenge (though the toddler years were rough), which is probably why I love working in fitness. Conquering a tough workout, running a marathon, or mastering a certain exercise; these are the things that light me up. Read more about how I recently dealt with some big life challenges.
Small Challenges Create Change Over Time
If you laughed at the idea above, of running a marathon, you aren’t alone. I used to say that I would NEVER run a marathon. It seemed too hard, too long, and it was so far outside of my realm of possibility that I didn’t even entertain the idea. Sure, I liked running. But not THAT much. Over time, my running distance became longer and I started setting further goals for myself. Soon, I had run several half-marathons! Seeing myself hit goal after running goal soon had me practicing for a full marathon. I completed my first marathon in 3:52, just shy of my 3:45 Boston qualifier goal. Each small challenge I set for myself – and then reached – led me down a path that I never saw happening. And I love it!
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
Arthur Ashe
The point isn’t that I run marathons now – but that by facing smaller challenges I set for myself, I have achieved more than I ever thought possible.
Change is Hard
I am definitely an all-in type of person. Once I decide to take on a challenge, I’m committed. But being committed does NOT take away the days of doubt. More often than not, I get partway through my goal and start to question myself. “Why am I running 30km again?” or “Who let this toddler into my house?” Not all of the days are pretty!
However, I DO know that at the end, I will be proud of my accomplishments. I know that my hard work is going to be worth it. And I ensure that I set myself up for success from the get-go. For me, meeting my biggest challenges takes accountability.
The Accountability Factor
Despite my strong will and competitive side, accountability helps me stay on track. So many of us are used to meeting external expectations (work targets, keeping the kids on track, cooperating with family), that it can be difficult to internally motivate ourselves. There is so much “other stuff” that takes our attention away. Involving others in my goals helps me stay accountable to myself, because I don’t want to let other people down if I don’t follow through.
Accountability can be a lot of different things:
- Checking in daily with a friend or family member
- Meeting up with others to work out
- Telling someone else about my goals
Simply having someone ask “how is that course going?” motivates me to keep at it. This is why I love joining a group challenge when I need a fitness shake-up. I get daily motivation, know that others are working out with me (virtually), and I can share my goals and progress with others in the same boat.
A (Free) Challenge For You
Building off all of this goodness, b.PILATES & FITNESS is bringing you a FREE fitness challenge for October. The challenge is open to all b.PILATES & FITNESS Clients and App Subscribers. We will be meeting in a private Facebook Group to go through the challenge together, to keep you accountable and motivated.
We will be announcing the Fitness Challenge next week – are you ready? Request to join the Challenge Group.