Last week we talked about why you train. Everyone has their own reasons for why they want to become better – if you haven’t determined your “why”, you better figure it out! Once you have it established, start on these steps (by Dan Garner, elite training coach) to help ensure your training succeeds!
With your “why” in mind, let’s look at the steps below so you can place your effort and involvement in all the right places at the right time. This helps us define who we are—and just as importantly, what we’re up against.
Step 1: Decide What You Want Do not skip this step… and be honest with yourself. Saying “I just want to get better” might get you points with your friends at lunch, but it is a far cry from legitimate goal setting. You need to have a clear vision, because if you don’t know where you’re going, then any road will take you there.
Step 2: Determine How You Got to Be Where You Currently Are I hear this constantly: “I just can’t seem to get lean, no matter what I do.” But when I ask these people about their diet, the response is: “I don’t bother tracking, I just eat a lot of ‘good food’ and take XYZ supplements. And, I take weekends off from good eating.”
Your body doesn’t lie: your current condition is a direct reflection of your choices and priorities in life. Too often, there’s a simple disconnect between goals and behaviors. But before you can remedy it, you first have to recognize and accept it. If it’s been a long time since you’ve achieved the goals you set for yourself, it’s time to get real about your commitments and stop trying to wing it.
Step 3: Determine the Time Commitment You Can Stick To Assess where you spend the most valuable currency you have: your time. There are only so many hours in the day. If you set unrealistic goals in Step 1 (like saying you’re going to train 12 times per week and still expect to shop, meal prep, take care of the kids, work, and manage life stressors), then something is eventually going to give, and you’ll be right back where you started. Intensity doesn’t get results—consistency does. Manage your time effectively and set goals that are realistic for your current lifestyle, schedule, and commitment level.
Step 4: Manage Your Stress This is a big one that many miss. Building muscle, losing fat, and becoming an all-around better are much easier to do when stress is kept at manageable levels. There’s always a tipping point, and if you’re already running close to the red line now, adding a comprehensive program into the mix is only going to set you up for burnout.
I don’t want you to abandon your goals; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. I want you to stop procrastinating on the things that are currently stressing you out so that you can organize your life in a way where you feel in control. Not to mention, exercise is a stress reliever, and better nutrition will combat many of the ailments that come with chronically high stress levels.
Be all that you can be, don’t hold back! God Bless,
Dr. Brad and the New Life Team
New Life Chiropractic│ 705.735.1838
