When it comes to your fitness and health, you’d probably say that they are important to you.
Yet how committed and consistent are you at taking action in these two areas, each and every day?
Since I’ve been laid up after surgery and quite limited in the type of exercise I can do right now, I’ve been giving the concept of frustration a whole lot of thought. To say I’m feeling frustrated at times is an understatement.
I’m used to moving a lot, doing something every single day for my health and fitness, using physical activity and expression as a key outlet for the stress that builds up from a busy, engaged life. I’ve had to re-focus my usual activities to ones I can support now.It hasn’t been easy, but I’m beginning to get into a groove that supports and energizes me.
But let’s get back to you….
It takes a lot to make significant changes in your lifestyle, your schedule, and your attitude and outlook…changes that will propel you towards greater things in your life.
It’s a lot more comfortable to stay where you are, with what you know, and dream about “If only…”
If only I were thinner. If only I could put on more muscle. If only I could get control of this stress and anxiety and live in a more relaxed manner. And so forth…
Seeing the need to change, thinking you ought to change, even wanting to change are all good. But they don’t quite get it done when it comes to actually taking the consistent, sustained action that will enable you to reach your goals.
No, it takes something much stronger. And that something is… frustration.
Yes, that negative, nasty emotion. But it’s true, something very negative can help you make positive changes.
I used to abhor frustration. I hated the feeling. I think frustration and boredom are the two states I seek to avoid the most.
However, I realized from my own experience, as well as working with others, that you’re not reallly ready to do the things and think the thoughts you need to, until you are at the end of your rope and ready and willing to do what it takes to get out of the situation you are in.
If, for example, you get to the point that you are really frustrated with your anxiety and levels of stress, and the fact that you don’t seem to be improving…Or you are frustrated with your appearance and inability to lose the weight…then celebrate.
Get happy! Put your hands in the air and shout “Hur-rah!”
I’m serious. Because when you get truly frustrated, you are ready for a breakthrough.
You are at the point where you begin to ask yourself the right questions, and look for the information or resources that can help you.
So leverage the frustration you may be feeling and use it to help energize and support your efforts to change or improve.
Here’s one more thought on frustration: it can also trip you up.
Once you are on the path to losing weight, or gaining the upper hand on stress…you may at times experience little or no progress.
You may get frustrated at how slowly things are changing. Or you may get frustrated at yourself for slipping up or backsliding. You may think you’ll never reach your goals.
Well, once again, use this frustration as a tool to energize yourself. Don’t let it put you into a funk, or get so down that you give up.
Here’s a great quote I heard a long time ago, that helps describe this point:
“How long would you give the average baby to learn how to walk before you didn’t let him or her try anymore?”
That’s a crazy question, isn’t it? You’ll give your kid as long as it takes, and all the love and support to help them. But dadgummit, that kid is going to learn how to walk!
And think how frustrated babies and toddlers can be at times, when they are trying to master a new motor skill. But they keep at it, again and again and again, until they finally get it.
Why not apply this same approach to yourself?
You Can Do It!
Karen
“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with Dynamic Energy Exercise!” http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com
P.S. I’d love to help as you leverage your frustration into action, and seek the information that will help you take smarter steps towards your fitness and health goals. Visit the Best Breathing Exercises website for information on the products and programs that can help you transform your health and energy levels.
Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2012