On Perseverance
I’ve just completed Couch to 5K it’s taken me months, I don’t know how many but it certainly wasn’t the 9 weeks allocated. And actually it really doesn’t matter. I felt a bit of shame that something seemingly so small took me so long when others are out training for marathons but I’m learning to be kind to myself . It’s all about starting where you are start where YOU are not your super fit mate!
Whether it’s a fitness goal, an aim to write or create consistently, maintaining a meditation practice or regularly posting about your business on social media, here are some tips I’ve picked up on perseverance:
GATHER YOUR RESOURCES
Whether it’s making a running playlist, finding a buddy, getting the right kit ( I used to run with my phone in my sports bra, it was always slipping about and falling out! I got some leggings with a phone pocket and they changed my whole experience, I used to use regular earphones with a wire and they kept falling out, I now have air pods) Creating the right environment basically and minimise any excuses!
Want to meditate? Do a free 21 day challenge to get you started - Gabby Bernstein, Deepak Chopra and Insight Timer all have great ones.
80% OF SUCCESS IS SHOWING UP - Woody Allen
In other words commit to consistency. Choose progress over perfection every time. I haven’t fully mastered this myself but I’m getting better and have been running 3x a week for a while now and when I don’t feel like showing up I do it anyway , which segues into the next tip…
TAKE EMOTION OUT OF IT
If we only did things when we felt like it we’d never get anything done. As a sensitive and highly emotional person I can often let my emotions lead my actions, I feel sad so I won’t run today. If I make the action non negotiable no matter how I feel it removes a whole layer of inner conflict and opportunity for excuses! I have never gone for a run and felt worse afterwards so there you go!
NEVER MISS TWICE
I stole this one from James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” . It’s OK to use a pass once - the danger zone comes when the excuses start to become the norm. It’s a slippery slope that is hard to come back from.
MAKE IT FUN
This may not always be possible but can you find a way? Go back to your resources, I found some brilliant playlists on Spotify ( Britney Spears radio anyone!) the other thing I did to support my fitness goal was do some Bounce classes ( jumping on mini trampolines) I hate going to the gym and find these classes with disco lights, routines and music way more stimulating!
FIND A BIGGER GOAL
I wanted to run 5k easily but I also wanted to be fitter generally. I signed up to a 22k strong women trek with Stylist Magazine in September. I’m also going to start working towards running 10K using a 5k to 10K app. If writing is your thing, find a competition to enter, if you’re a creative - find an exhibition to be part of.
Hope these are helpful. I’m speaking as someone who struggles with discipline. If I can do it, anyone can. Let me know in the comments what you think. What goal are you working towards?