Staying Motivated: Overcoming the Chutes
Growing up, we owned a game called “Chutes and Ladders” and maybe those of you old enough might remember it. It is a simple game: spin the wheel and advance through the game board. However, scattered around the board are a series of ladders that represent good decisions or good luck and reward you with quick advancement toward the finish line. Also on the board are several chutes which represent bad luck or the consequences of a bad decision. Landing on a chute pushes you back down on the game board and you have to recover the spaces you lost.
I remember I always wanted to land on the “save the cat” ladder. It came early in the game and shot you straight up almost to the end. But if you missed that fortunate ladder, there were plenty of other opportunities to land on smaller ladders, or as bad luck would have it, a chute sending you back down. It was a fun game to play as a child and taught you the rewards and consequences of your actions. As an adult, I reflect how strangely accurate playing that game resembles life.
Some things happen that are based on our good (or bad) decisions, and some things happen as just a result of chance, for better or worse.
Regardless of your attitude toward life, we all face chutes, and sometimes a series of chutes. We experience seasons of life when we manage to get back on our feet, and as soon as we do, something else sets us reeling and into free fall. The question becomes not why has this happened (although it certainly has its place) but how are we going to respond.
The ability to overcome setbacks, to learn from them, to move beyond them, is a skill more powerful than most. And, the ability to persevere can soften many other weaknesses. A politely persistent attitude can overcome awkward speech, social etiquette, and even bad looks. It can separate you from the crowd, because let’s face it, recovering from the chutes of this life is difficult. It’s easier to sit back and complain than to change, adjust and take action. The good news is, the ability to bounce back can be learned. Just like a muscle, it can grow and become stronger with the right training.
In my world of fitness, I work with my clients on being consistent, on putting forth good effort when they show up. It is my job to understand how they think and to help them understand themselves. As they embrace the process of changing their habits, they realize the result they want will come with proper training and time. And while my advice to my clients is primarily based on improving their consistency in exercise and nutrition, the same principles apply to any life’s situations. Take a look at my tips to overcoming the chutes in fitness and apply them to your situation:
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View your setback as an opportunity to assess your situation. Being honest with yourself, ask: How important is this priority? What is the cost to my family and I if I continue? What is the cost to my family and I if I quit?
Use your setback as an opportunity to build resolve. Ask yourself: How bad do I want it? What am I willing to give up to accomplish what I started?
Determine if the setback is a one-time occasion or a repeat situation. For example, if every time your kids are out of school you don’t get your workout in, what can you do to change that? What is your Plan B when things don’t go as usual? Determine a course of action when the repeating setback arises again, and you can continue to move forward and keep the commitment you made.
Lastly, be reminded of where you are going and how far you’ve come.This might mean pulling out an old goal photo, hanging up that party dress you want to fit in so you see it every day, talking to someone who encourages and motivates you to keep going. These supportive reminders will bring you back on track and restart your engine. Creating a little momentum is sometimes all we need to get back on track.
If you are currently working through a series of chutes, take time this holiday week to reflect on their source and consequences. In doing so, you will gain insight into your situation and what you can do to recover. Also, a conversation with a family member or friend after Thanksgiving dinner might just give you the fresh perspective you need. Relax, enjoy and reflect. Then decide how you will move forward. If you do that, you won’t be disappointed.
Keep moving,
Priscilla
Note: As a fitness coach, it is my highest priority to keep my clients motivated and on track despite obstacles, chutes, distractions and just human nature. I work hard to determine what motivates each client and how much grace and truth they need to move forward. We all need a supportive environment to maintain healthy lifestyle and habits. If you are searching for that kind of environment, check out what we do here at CrossFit 1088: Hosted by Blue Wave Fit, where our mission is to bring CrossFit to All Ages. http://www.bluewavefitocala.com
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