We often get caught up focusing on numbers, personals bests and getting frustrated with our own progress. Over shadowing that whatever we do, we are also setting an example to our little ones.
Initially, I wanted to write about how mothers set an example for their children. Whilst writing, I soon realized that everything we teach, is actually something our children already know. So I decided to write this story the other way around, about what my son Sam taught me.
1. It’s All About Having Fun
At the end of the day, working out is about staying healthy in a fun way. Children are great at this: if it’s not fun, they don’t do it. End of story. On the other hand that doesn’t mean you will only do things that are exciting. Sometimes you’ll still have to grind through harder exercises (Yay, burpees!).
It will be hard to get better at something you resent. The amount of complaining we do is incredible. Isn’t it time that we grow up? Or in this case, look for the positives. Instead of avoiding or dreading your weaknesses, play around with them by trying different approaches, equipment and techniques. Keep it fun and interesting.
Remember to be spontaneous. Every now and then, forget about the plan and do whatever you want to do. You can get back to it when you feel better. Never stop having fun!
2. Live in the Moment
Whatever children do, they give it their undivided attention.
They don’t look at their smartphones every 5 seconds and they don’t interrupt what they are doing by chatting on Facebook. Most importantly though, they are fully invested in an effort whilst being unattached to the result. And in training terms this means: you love what you’re doing, whether or not you are successful.
The only way for you to get anywhere is to be here now. You can’t focus on your training when you are worried about if this will achieve results. Being attached to a certain outcome will limit your power in the present. This doesn’t mean you stop caring. Detaching from a certain goal and just training the best way you can for that day, can actually make you more likely to achieve it.
3. Do As You Are Told
Ok, I know children don’t always do what they are told. But in general, we are the captain of their ship (sometimes I feel more like Sam’s cook, servant and cleaning lady…but I digress.)
The thing is: children know that they don’t know. Therefore they are teachable. Similarly, the same for us; because we know we can’t do a handstand walk (yet), we hire a coach. Yet if you are like me, you won’t want to do what he tells you from time to time.
It’s normal. We’re human. However know what needs to happen, we think we know, our minds walk ahead of the present (not on our hands though). Pace yourself into a more surrendered way of thinking, listen to your coach and trust the process.
Seeking advice and direction doesn’t make you a weak person. It actually makes you a strong person. Resist the urge to do it your way all the time. I know, it’s the hardest thing to do. Sometimes your coach guides you to do something that seems unreasonable at that time. But in a few weeks or months, it will all make sense.
4. Slow Down
Walking 150m with Sam takes about 30 minutes. This is especially dreadful when I am in a hurry.
On his way he will find all kinds of reasons to stop and stare: From flowers, leaves, ants and to a puddle to jump in, an airplane in the sky, a bird on a tree. As you can imagine, the list is endless.
This is a beautiful thing to learn from children. Slow down. Take a deep breath (you probably just took your first deep breath of the day). Really acknowledge how your body feels right now.
Maybe you need to pace your workout, maybe you need to take a day off or maybe you need to stop what you are doing and get in the gym. How will you know when you’re always in a rush thinking about what do next?
5. Babysteps
Children fall a million times before they learn to walk.
They don’t give up just because things didn’t work out the first time. They intuitively know they need to practice, practice and practice. Why do so many people think this stops at a handstand walk or a muscle up?
If you can’t even do a pull up you shouldn’t be thinking about a muscle up yet. First you master the basics and then the rest.
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