It is the same with new environments and experiences.
I remember how exhausted after 5 PT sessions in a row I used to be when I first started or how after 3 kids Rugby coaching
sessions used to leave me a broken man.
Both need physical work, yet I actually put MORE energy now into both types of sessions than when I first started.
The difference is that the more we experience and practice a situation, skill, exercise or process the less mental energy we
use.
Confidence, skill set, knowledge and strength all increase with deliberate practice.
We reach peak flow, or mastery at a certain point.
I'm sure we have all been there doing something we love and it is as easy..yet to an observer what we are doing looks really,
really hard.
(I remember my attempt at Zumba..the physical work was not an issue, however the dancing, concentration and embarrassment of being the complete opposite of graceful destroyed me!)
When it comes to forming a new habit, starting an exercise regime, joining a class or learning a difficult movement or exercise we absolutely need to be
PERSISTENT.
Results come from this persistence
It can be monotonous, repetitive and even boring
Not from hopping form one program, diet, trainer,
book or fad craze. This does not give you time to master anything and leads to giving up.
It is EXHAUSTING!
- You need a plan, and you need to stick to it. Every minute of every day.
- Show up and do the work, and do it again tomorrow.
- If you fall off the wagon, IT IS OK, just get back on it and try again!
Overall, with ANYTHING new be acutely aware of how we react to new things.
Remind yourself at every step that it will be hard in the beginning and the only way is up.
Just as a PT will need to progress an exercise with load, volume and
intensity as you get stronger, we need to challenge your mental capacity 'muscle' to make it 'grow' too.
Or in other words, say YES to more experiences whenever you can...and then be persistent.
J
