It is so easy to get caught up in things that are going on around us these days. Family, work, and sporting events can occupy most of our time if we don't find a way to schedule time for ourselves. Looking outside of ourselves can be great for gaining perspective, but it can also derail us from staying on track toward our goals. To stay focused, we have to think about what's on the inside. Thus the question: are you an innie?
There's a couple of different directions I could go with this, and I think that's where I'll go. Looking in requires a lot of introspection and deep-thinking. It also requires a lot of metaphorical comparison, which brings me to your inner engine.
Think of your inner engine as just that, the thing(s) that drives you the most. Early on in your journey to fulfill your goal, you have plenty of motivation and enthusiasm in pursuit of what you're after. However, as you hit snags or bumps along the road, that leads to wear and tear on the body. That's just it though, it's wear and tear on the body, not on the engine itself. Always stay in touch with your "why". Why are you doing what you're doing, why you have to keep trying, why you have to push yourself a little bit. That will help keep your inner engine running strong.
If you feel that you're struggling to find motivation and that your inner engine could use a horsepower boost, get creative! A lot of the health and wellness world revolves around going to the gym. However, going to the gym and lifting heavy metal for hours in the week doesn't seem ideal to many people. If that's the case, find something that moves you - whether that is an annual camping trip with your buddies, keeping up with the grandkids on the bike, or getting in shape to join the National Guard (these are all real-life scenarios I've encountered, by the way). Treat that event like your "super bowl", do your preparation for that activity, and remember that consistency is the currency because it is valuable.
Speaking of value, your inner dialogue is crucial. It can make or break you. Consider the real-life scenario of getting caught in the rain while out for a run. Do you tuck tail and turn back, cutting off your run miles short of your plan? If so, what does that do to your headspace? Exercise is all about stimulus and response. If you turn back, not only do you not get that physiological response you're looking for, but you've also missed out on the dopamine feeling of a job well done.
A great way to look at the world is as if it is full of opportunities. For instance, if you get caught in the rain, it is an opportunity to be out in nature, push yourself out of your comfort zone, exercise in all types of weather, etc. If you were on a good streak of exercising and you missed a day, it is a great opportunity to get back a greater streak, show yourself that you can overcome obstacles, or continue working toward your goals. Remember that failure isn't failing to succeed, failure is failing to try.
No matter what you get caught up in as far as your daily life, make sure to constantly remind yourself of your why. That why is a constant fuel source for your inner engine that will be tested from time to time. You don't want to get halfway down the freeway (or halfway through your journey) and run out of fuel! For that reason, it is a great idea to consider multiple fuel sources and multiple reasons why. What you tell yourself on a daily basis matters, and remember to make an opportunity of everything. Take some time to get into yourself, you never know what you'll get out of it.
Jack is a Tri Fitness Coach, and his credentials include NASM CPT, B.S. in Kinesiology, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. If you’d like help setting and achieving your health and wellness goals, please contact Jack at jack@tfcoachingmn.com to set up an appointment.