By now we’re getting settled into any New Year goals we may have set, and if you’re like me, maybe you’ve hit this same issue…….
I love having goals, but honestly, I do sometimes get a bit hung up on the destination!
Obviously the aim is to reach my goal, so I don’t want to forget it. However, I find when I get too hung up on the destination or goal itself, I’ve I tend to experience more frustration.
I’ve also noticed I’m less resilient in the tough moments. The inevitable bumps or set backs we experience on the way to achieving any goal have me feeling further away from my goal, which is demoralising.
If I’m not careful I can get stuck in that frustration rather than just moving forward.
Sound familiar?
An Alternative……
Focusing on the progressing towards the goal, not on the goal itself.
In other words, focus on the journey. It’s a cliché for sure, but I’ve found there are many advantages to it that I shouldn’t have so easily dismissed;
1. Reduced Frustration – Focusing on the progression means set backs and bumps are just bumps and part of the natural process, rather than complete roadblocks to your destination. The focus on progress, not arriving, reduces frustration, because no matter what happens you can still reflect onhow far you’ve come, and that despite the bumps you’re still moving in the right direction. This in itself is also mentally rewarding and validating.
2. There is no destination – Most fitness goals don’t actually have a destination. For example, if your goal is to get stronger for running. To improve your running and help reduce injuries. Then what is the destination? You’re never going to arrive, because you’ll always be getting stronger and developing more resilience from wherever you are.
3. Easier to get going and be consistent – Perversely, focusing less on an end goal makes this much, much easier. If your focus is simply on progression, then any small steps you take are seen as fruitful. Any pauses are seen as just a temporary rest, rather than a disastrous set back which knocks your morale, and with it your ability to bounce back. Mentally that changes the game completely.
So to go back to the title of this email, “how do you eat an elephant?”……one bite at at time. Focusing on your progress rather than daunting yourself with the end goal.
Ready to take some small steps?!
Check out the free short sessions on both the app and YouTube!
Just add 2 or 3 of those 10 minute sessions into your week and see how quickly you start to feel the difference.
They’re great for pre/post run, early morning, or in your tea and lunch breaks.
Move better, feel better, run stronger! 
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