One of the most occurring things, especially when you´re just starting out exercising and beginning a new workout regime, eating better and attempting to adopt that new and healthier lifestyle you so long for is hitting that dreaded 2 steps forward 1 step back situation
Like many others, may have kicked off your training with great enthusiasm and willpower, only to find yourself falling off the beaten path and losing focus, thus jeopardizing your hard-earned progress and feeling like a failure and giving up on your goals.
The first and most important thing you need to know is this: growth isn´t linear. There are highs and lows. As the saying goes, an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. In other words, letting setbacks get the better of you is comprehensible when in the grand scheme of things – after all, this is something you put a lot of time and effort into, but it is also a misguided decision. You might not know this from what you´re shown, but even professional athletes have dealt with this scenario.
How, then, can you steer clear of falling into this trap that leads to so much frustration and even impulsive and irrational thoughts?
- Learn from your mistakes and how to deal with them. Setbacks are a part of life itself. And in the end, it comes down to two options. You either resign or face up and see those setbacks not as failures but as part of the long and winding road towards your own personal aim.
- Start small. Changes don´t happen overnight and if you expect it to be like it you will be falling into a neverending cycle of bitterness. Valentino Rossi didn´t become what he did overnight, nor did Ash Barty. And these are professional veterans among the best in the world. Achieve small goals, then move on to the bigger ones. Small wins will give you a sense of satisfaction and push you to stay on track.
- Keep away from distractions. There are many things that affect our concentration and focus in today´s hyper-paced world. How many of us find it incredibly hard to just put down our phone or keep from doing things that are harmful to us in the long run? Hindrances come in many forms, and if you notice one, two or more that are setting you back, it is time to take the high road.
- Get proper sleep and take naps when you can. Studies have shown it´s hard to stay motivated and productive as it is, especially as the days progress, so try to make good use of 20-minute power naps to regain some energy and sleep 7 to 8 hours every night.
- Your nutrition. Bad habits die hard. And they need to. A bad diet can negatively exert influence on your ability to focus and stay active and alert on your daily tasks. A bad diet doesn´t only take hold of your physical well being, but your mental health as well.