Do you ever ask yourself if you are doing all that you can mentally, spiritually, and physically? This weekend I realized that perhaps I have been out of balance. Over the last several years, I have been laser focused on my mental and spiritual growth. Never have I felt so sure about the path that I am on and am grateful to experience magic every single day. This magic comes in the form of meeting extraordinary people who open my eyes to new insights. This magic also comes from having the opportunity to inspire others whether through my writing, speaking, coaching or consulting.
However, physically I feel like a slacker. Today, I came to the realization that I have been coasting as it relates to my physical well-being. Sure, I “visit” the gym four or five times a week, and I check it off my virtual to-do list. I mentally pat myself on the back and say, “Good job! You worked out.” Truly, I can admit to you and to myself now that I haven’t really been working out.
I was working out with a friend today who passed by me while I was doing leg presses. I would push the weight out and back, stopping at every repetition. He said to me, “try making each rep one consecutive movement without stopping at the top.” Typically, I do not like being told what to do, but for some reason, I was ready to listen today. I did what he said, and my heart rate jumped and sweat began dripping down my neck. That is working out. What I was doing before was not.
He proceeded to show me a few new exercises and when we were done, or so I thought, he said, “now, we will finish it off with some cardio.”
“But, I already did cardio at the beginning,” I said like a young, whiny baby.
“Then, you are already warmed up,” he said as he walked us over to the Stair Master.
I did my time on the Stair Master and couldn’t recall the last time I was that physically exhausted. The best news is that it felt AMAZING!
Now, I am more motivated and excited about working out than I have been in a long time. It became clear to me today that when it comes to pushing myself outside of my comfort zone with respect to exercise, I have not been practicing what I preach. The greatest growth comes when we allow ourselves to become uncomfortable. Once we do that, the possibilities are infinite. So, if you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to ask if I am inside or outside of my comfort zone. At the end of the day, it is about balancing all aspects of who you are. Leverage your mental toughness to stretch your mind and your body.
