Since we’ve been in the new building we have been doing construction. It’s so difficult sometimes because I feel like everything is in flux. Different things are happening every day, and it’s a lot to keep track of and on top of. That being said, I was just sitting here thinking about how similar our exercise journey is to a construction project.
When we get started it’s really exciting.
In construction, we’ve got demo going on, walls are coming down, new things are being laid out. Walls are starting to get built. It’s very exciting to see what’s going to go up next.
In exercise, it’s very exciting as well. We get our new workout outfits, we are super excited about showing up. Everything is new and shiny, and we are constantly learning new things.
It inevitably slows down
Soon after the new wears off construction slows down. It’s less exciting and sometimes more annoying. Things aren’t going the way you hope and the new and shiny has worn off, now you’re just ready for it to be over with.
In exercise, this usually happens somewhere between weeks 4-6. We are used to the movements now, it’s not new any more, and we realize that this thing called exercise isn’t as easy as we thought it would be.
Stuff Happens
There will always be some kind of hang ups that throw you off track. In our case, we’ve been waiting for permits for 8 weeks now. It’s seriously hindered what we can and can’t do in the construction. The key is, we’re still going forward with what we can do without permits. Once we get the permits things will move way faster.
In exercise, life happens. The kids get sick. Holidays happen. Work gets busy. Things will always always happen. Sometimes you have to do what we are doing with construction. Do what you can do. If you can’t make it until 7PM come in at 7PM. If you have to do some burpees at home, do it. Get something in. Don’t let something unrelated negatively impact something you can do.
It’s never goes as fast as we want it to
In construction, NOTHING is on the same schedule as we are. We want things done yesterday and of course it doesn’t happen like that. To make matters worse we are always waiting on someone else who is also not on our timeline. For example, we couldn’t have heat until the electrician could run power, the plumber could run a gas line, and the HVAC could drop the until on the roof and make it all work. Again, the key is to focus on what you can control, and work on those things. It will all get done eventually. Consistency of work is key.
In exercise, we will NEVER be fit as quickly as we want. We’ve been sold this lie for so long, of drop 20 lbs in 10 days etc, that we have severely unrealistic expectations of what quality progress looks like. The key here is also consistency. Adjust expectations, and focus on the activities that will create results over time. That’s the key to success.
As you can see there are many parallels here, but basically stay consistent, and focus on what you CAN do and you’ll accomplish your goals.
12-4-19 Workout
Strength:
Clean and Jerk
Met Con:
Deadlift x 21 (2 x 70lb/53lb kb)
Mountain Climbers x 20 (L+R=1)
Farmers Carry x 30 feet
Deadlift x 15
Mountain Climbers x 20
Farmers Carry x 30 feet
Deadlift x 9
Mountain Climbers x 20
Farmers Carry x 30 feet
Deadlift x 3
Mountain Climbers x 20
Farmers Carry x 30 feet
For time