Many people are taught a mental approach to fitness that leads to burnout and frustration. What is this approach? It’s the approach that makes the numbers more important than the journey. Instead of putting your focus on your breathing, your muscles, your posture and the feel of the exercises – you put your focus on whether or not you can do more today than yesterday.
While it is good to desire greater strength, speed, stamina, flexibility, balance and power – no matter how you train and no matter what program you follow, you will eventually hit a plateau. If your focus is only on ‘the number’ – you will feel discouraged when you hit this inevitable sticking point.
In the world of Asian martial arts – the plateau is not to be feared or despised. It is seen as part of the natural order of training. You improve, improve, improve – then you hit a plateau. If you have a negative feeling about the plateau, this interferes with your training. If, however, you welcome the plateau and realize you will eventually break through it, then there is no frustration, no feeling of failure and no burnout.
Set goals to achieve various numbers in your routine – but keep your focus on the journey. The numbers will take care of themselves when you are in flow.
Matt Furey
Zen Master of the Internet®
P.S. Your courage and confidence will soar when you’re a member of the Furey Faithful.