“I Have To” vs “I Get To”
In an effort to lose the forty pounds I’ve gained since moving to Italy (every bite was worth it) and to generally lead a healthier life, I’ve been going to the gym regularly for the last several weeks. The biggest factor that has helped me to maintain consistency is that I’m not pushing myself with every workout
Less Speed
There’s a running program I’ve attempted off and on for the last six years. I’ve tried to complete it running eight miles per hour. I never made it past week three at that speed. But this time around I decided to just take it easy and complete the program at six miles per hour.
Levels Instead Of Weeks
Also, I’m not trying to stick to the thirteen week schedule at all. I now see it as thirteen levels, and I’ll move on whenever I’m comfortable. Even if all I ever do is jog at level two for the rest of my life, I’ll be a hell of a lot better off than if I never workout at all! (I’m currently on level five.)
What this has allowed me to do is focus much more on training my mind to think positively and to feel good about exercising. Every workout is strenuous enough to benefit me, but easy enough to feel great at the end and look forward to the next one.
“I Get To” Thinking
Another awesome change has been to replace “I Have To” thinking with “I Get To” thinking. This program works in 5-minute walk/run intervals for the first several levels. In the past, when I was pushing myself too hard, I’d keep looking at the clock thinking, “alright, I have to do three more rounds!” Now I look at the clock and think, “I only get three more rounds of practice today, so I’d better make them the best I can!”
I focus on not looking at the clock too often. I think about good posture, looking straight ahead, with positive and motivating thoughts about how good it feels to exercise. And I make sure I do not think about how much I’m going to progress in the coming weeks. Do not think about progress! As long as I complete today’s workout and look forward to the next one, I have succeeded. If all I ever accomplish is being a level five jogger, but I do it consistently, I’ll be a hell of a lot better off than if I push myself too hard and stop exercising altogether.
I get to run today. And I’m really looking forward to it.
