my journey toward being fit, running, eating right, and being healthy and happy inside and out.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The problem with Trying...
try (tr)
1. To make an effort to do or accomplish (something); attempt:
Trying implies that failure is an option, that a half hearted attempt at an unrealistic goal, ending in failure is acceptable and grounds to give up and never "try" again.
I've tried dieting, I've tried following a race training program, I've tried really hard at a number of things, and you know what...I think I "try" too hard.
I was thinking about this as I was running this morning. The plan was to run 4 miles, which I did. I wanted to try to beat my pace from my last run. I'm always thinking like that, more, faster, better, stronger. I rarely appreciate the now, I'm always looking to the future. So, I set my goals and started running, by the time I had completed the 4 miles I was beat and uncertain if I should be happy or not. The run felt slow and I seemed to take too many walking breaks. Dark thoughts and doubts loomed in my mind.... I'm so unhealthy... I'm so slow...I'll never get any better. Once I hooked the ipod up to the computer to compare my times, I realized that this had actually been one of my faster runs and something to be proud over...not depressed by. That's the problem with me and trying...
1. I set unattainable goals
2. Attempting to achieve the goal is Uncomfortable/ Dissatisfying
3. I feel weak and inadequate
4. That lowers my confidence
5. I become defeated and quit.
It's the same pattern every time, apply this pattern to my diet now.
1. I set an unrealistic weight loss goal
2. Attempting to achieve the goal is Uncomfortable/ Dissatisfying
3. I feel weak and inadequate
4. That lowers my confidence
5. I become defeated and quit.
That pattern is really destructive, and is probably the reason why I have gained and lost the same 50 pounds over and over again. Today I noticed this my running, as I thought of ChiRunning and maintaining good form, my running seemed more natural and unforced, whereas, when my mind wandered back to personal bests and good pace times I became more and more...stressed, my shoulders tightened, my elbows clenched, my hands became fists, I got tired and had to walk. It was a vicious cycle but a great metaphor for trying too hard.
When I try hard, I'm unhappy. When I'm unhappy, I eat. I'll never achieve lasting weight loss or true healthiness by living under these extremes. I've got to learn to relax and take what comes naturally. That isn't to say that I should be lazy, but there is a BIG difference between putting solid effort into something, and being masochistic.
"Do, or do not. There is no try." ~Yoda
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I started doing better with my weight when I looked at the month and what was going on, and assessed whether I could lose 1 pound or 2. Both are rather feasible, and most months I achieve and then some (except when a holiday is at the end).
Good job on the run.
hi kat! love your blog :) this is a great post and inspires me to keep a strong intention as well!
bright blessings,
rachael H
Post a Comment