Grit, Goals, and Growth

I feel a bit wimpy when it comes to exercise. 

What I mean is, most days I’m out there, sweating it out, committed to maintaining physical and mental health and endurance, but wow, I need to dig deep when the going gets tough.

In particular, when I face steep hills, the inevitable high intensity part of High Intensity Interval Training, and/or the dreaded squats (which I think I only do out of vanity… hopes I’ll get some sort of definition for shorts season), I feel a sense of both excitement and dread as my heart rate rises and I start to “feel the burn”. 

Thank goodness, as I keep at it I am truly starting to experience how embracing discomfort in various aspects of life, from tackling challenging tasks to exploring new skills, builds resilience and fosters personal growth. Just as diversifying workouts strengthens physical resilience, expanding our experiences and pushing through challenges enhances mental and emotional fortitude.

So when facing the literal or figurative mountain ahead, here are some things that help me push on:

Harness the Power of Endorphins: Engaging in activities that challenge us mentally or emotionally releases endorphins- not dissimilar to the positive rush stimulated by physical exercise. This uplifts our mood, boosts creativity, and enhances our ability to overcome obstacles with a positive mindset.

Optimizing with Mindful Cross-Training: Adopting mindful practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, or reflective writing supports personal growth by sharpening focus and deepening self-awareness. Like cross-training improves physical fitness by targeting different areas, mindfulness enhances mental clarity and emotional balance.

Utilizing Incremental Progress: Setting achievable goals and celebrating small victories cultivates a growth mindset. This approach builds confidence and perseverance, fostering continuous improvement in personal and professional endeavors alike.

Exploring New Horizons: Broadening our horizons through new interests and learning experiences expands our capabilities and enriches our perspectives. Similar to how diverse workouts enhance physical abilities, curiosity-driven exploration fuels personal development and fulfillment.

By applying these cross-training strategies to personal development, we enhance our resilience, creativity, and overall well-being. Embracing discomfort becomes a transformative journey towards continuous growth and fulfillment in all aspects of life. 

Now- as I rest here on the shore, I’m thinking like a Nike advertisement to help get me back up the hill. Just do it.