In training, health, fitness, movement, we want to get from where we are, to where we want to be.
Usually, we have a time frame associated with this. It could be consciously and announced (like a goal), unspoken, or even subconscious.
It’s not that we set the timeframes too long or too short, it’s often having the timeframe itself is the killer. Here’s why:
1. It is rarely, if ever, accurate. You either shortchange yourself (the timeframe is way too long), or it’s impossible to reach, which is frustrating. Frustration by comparing where we are with where we think we “should” be doesn’t serve us.
2. It makes us focus on the end product. Keeping the end in mind is helpful, but too much of this and we aren’t as present in the moment, with the step or progression that we are at right NOW, when in fact, this is what needs to happen in order to move forward
3. It can cause conflict. When we focus on an end date, we push for it. Even if we achieve it, we sometimes have to push into fatigue or injury. Is this conflict worth it? If vitality in the present moment (all we have!) is paramount, then the trade starts to look sketchy.
So, commit to the learning, the experiencing, the exploring of the direction you head, but remain open. Having the patience required to not even set the timeframe can be useful.
Quite often, you’ll be surprised to the upside when results come far faster than you think.
