If you’re excited to tackle a big fitness goal but then burn out after a few weeks, you don’t need a better goal.
You have to choose better problems.
Let me explain.
Let’s take a marathon for example.
Want complete A marathon sounds pretty cool.
But that’s the shiny object at the end of the street.
And while that excitement can be enough to get us going, it’s like lighter fluid that burns quickly and then flares up.
But what challenges does running a marathon bring with it? These are here to stay.
- Plan on long runs when you’re tired
- Dealing with excruciating pain
- Learn foot care and blister prevention (not to mention chafing!)
- Meal planning and preparation to support recovery after your runs
- Prioritize sleep over Netflix time so you can wake up for that early morning run
- Adjust training if things don’t go according to plan
Much less glamorous than imagining yourself crossing the finish line.
But here’s the thing – if you can learn it Embrace these parts of the processthen you basically have a 100 percent guarantee of finishing the race.
Because the problems and the process are the parts that Strictly speaking Object.
It is only when we set ourselves a big goal without ALSO realizing that we are choosing the problems associated with it that we are setting ourselves up for failure.
As Mark Manson says (paraphrasing):
Stop obsessing about goals.
Start by selecting the problems you are willing to take on.
Many people say they want:
- “Get fit”
- “Build strength”
- “Lose weight”
- “Be more consistent”
But the real question is:
Can you embrace the process that will get you there?
If you can, you are on the right track.
And if the answer is “no,” that’s not a failure.
It’s information.
And it gives you permission to adjust your desired goal and choose problems that work for you—on your messiest weeks, not just your best.
I would love to hear from you! What problems are you dealing with?
-Frosted
PS: At Nerd Fitness we are nerds who don’t just love fitness. We love coaching.
