Success isn’t always about ‘Greatness’, it’s about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. Greatness will come.
– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
I couldn’t agree more. In fact, this is my primary talking point as a coach. My objective when designing training programs for individuals and team sports centers always begins with the question: How can he/she/they stick with this consistently? The sports science stuff and progressive overload yada yada yada is the fun part. The trick lies in finding the right type of training style and method to keep an individual motivated. Motivation = consistency.
Let’s identify some ways you can be more consistent with your health, fitness, and hobbies. Review, ponder, and respond to the following questions:
- What are you good at?
Example: I’m really good at drawing, baking, and back in the day I was great at basketball!
2. What do you enjoy doing?
Example: I look forward to hiking, traveling, and cooking. I wish I could do it more often!
3. What is something you yearn to be better at?
Example: I really wish I could swim better. I’m afraid of drowning, which has kept me from trying it. I think I could be good if I knew how.
4. Who is your role model? Do they do the same thing(s) you mentioned previously?
Example: The Rock. He’s successful, athletic, and funny! He’s really into strength training, which I also enjoy.
5. How can you find ways to do things your good at and enjoy doing EVERY DAY?
Example: I could spend 30 minutes drawing or cooking instead of scrolling through social media. OR I could do yoga instead of watching a show.
6. Does your family, significant other, or roommate participate in the same thing(s) you mentioned previously? Do they have similar role models, goals, and passions?
Example: My parents aren’t active, but my siblings enjoy outdoor recreational activity. People I’ve dated in the past haven’t been as enthusiastic about exercise as me, which has caused me to fall off the wagon.
Take some time to write out your responses. There is no right or wrong response. These questions should help you understand your environment and passions. By exploring these responses, you may become more consistent! Let’s break it down.
Questions 1 & 2:
Why is it important to do things we are good at AND enjoy doing? I thought I was supposed to do things I don’t like to improve on my weaknesses. While there is truth to correcting things like imbalances and muscular weaknesses, it’s important to do it in ways we enjoy and gain confidence through. Life is simply too short to force yourself to do something you don’t like or really suck at. If you don’t enjoy running, don’t do it. If you do enjoy playing basketball, get a hoop, ball, and a family member to get some fun cardio in! It’s a simple shift in mentality that is so crucial. Instead of “having to go for a walk or run” you “get to play ball.” Simply put, if you enjoy the activity, you’re more likely to do it 5-7xs/week rather than once or twice before eventually quitting. I want you to think about things you can show off a bit in, that you smile while doing, and can engage with those you love through said activity.
Question 3
What is something you yearn to be better at? I believe humans are naturally competitive. Even if you don’t consider yourself competitive deep down if there is something, you’d like to be better at, chances are you’re willing to spend a little time sorting it out. Most of us have something we’ve always wanted to try but don’t make the time for (quilting, cooking, gardening, hiking, swimming, cycling, fishing, shooting a bow and arrow, etc.) There is no better time than now. Quarantine has left most of us with more time to try the things we’ve been putting off. While a few of things may not be accessible due to restrictions, perhaps you can try to adapt at home. If that’s not an option, perhaps this helps open your eyes to the opportunities you took for granted pre-Covid19. An old dog can learn new tricks, and I hope you get to try your hand at something you’ve always desired to be better at! The desire to improve is a powerful motivator. Bonus if what you enjoy doing/are good at is something you also desire to be better at! Win-win-win!
Question 4
Who is your role model? Typically, we idolize people we want to be like, whether it’s because they are attractive in ways, we wish we were, good at things we want to be good at, or passionate about similar things. If you have someone to look up to within your hobby, activity, sport, etc. it can be empowering to do the same things as them! I encourage you to write a letter to your role model on how and why they inspire you. If you don’t have a role model, look around for those who have been successful doing things you like or want to improve on. You certainly don’t have to BE them but having someone’s footsteps to follow in can sure be helpful on harder days. If you have a role model but they don’t do your sport or hobby, that’s ok. You’re more than welcome to have more than one role model. 🙂
Question 5
How can you find ways to do things you’re good at and enjoy doing EVERY DAY? This is important! Often times I hear the phrase “I just didn’t have time today.” The response should be “I just didn’t make time today.” If you check social media, watched a show, sat around and texted a friend, or played video games then you simply didn’t make your passion, hobby, sport, or craft a priority. While all the things I mentioned previously are fine things to do, they are some of the most common time-suckers. If you really want to be consistent about doing things you enjoy and make you happy, especially if you desire to improve at it, then you need to CONSISTENTLY make it a priority. No ifs, ands, or buts. Ponder ways to open up 10-30 minutes each day to pursue the items previously mentioned. Your kids, significant other, friends and/or family will benefit from you improving your physical and mental health during this time.
Question 6
Does your family, significant other, or roommate participate in the same thing(s) you mentioned previously? Do they have similar role models, goals, and passions? It’s ok if you responded no. Opposites attract after all! Your environment is essential to your success. If your coworkers are overweight and inactive, you may be tempted to eat fast food instead of packing a lunch and exercising on your lunch break, for example. On the flip side, if your coworkers encourage you to eat well and you can exchange recipes, you’re much more likely to eat well and look forward to that experience. Environment is essential. If you live alone and don’t have a strong community, look for one. Running, cycling, hiking, open water swim groups, kitting clubs, cooking clubs, book clubs, etc. offer great group chats, Zoom calls and forums for you to actively engage at a distance. If your spouse and/or kids are not into the same things you are, you need a community that understands the obstacles you face. If you are in a healthy environment with like-minded people, I applaud you and challenge you to bring more people into that environment. Sharing your success, failures, etc. builds character while helping others that may be going through something similar. I’ll say it one more time: Environment is essential.
I hope these 6 questions helped turn the focus inward to identify things you want to make time for, get better at, and enjoy with others. I hope your confidence grows by doing things you excel at, while growing through challenging activities you desire to improve at. Lastly, I hope you find role models to inspire you while building a healthy, growth-minded environment so you find consistency, balance, and happiness.
Be well.
Kawaoka Coaching 