Most people fail in their New Years resolutions because their life is set up for them to fail. Whether you've thought about it like this or not: If you aren't working out enough now, your life isn't set up to have you workout enough now.
In fact, it's possible you have social pressure or time pressure that keeps you from your workout. You need to flip the script on that. You've got to set up some social pressure that will make you work out.
Story Time: From Dead Last to Winning Races
So here I am, up on the line for the Morro Bay Invitational. I look around at the other 10 guys who are all here looking to qualify for the Varsity Team (the travelling team).
Out of the 10 guys here, 6 of them are already guaranteed a spot on the team; They were so naturally fast in Jr. High that they were recruited on to the team. And they are light years faster than I am.
So on this 7 man team, 6 spots are taken. That leaves one spot for me and the rest of the guys to fight over. Running and sweating and falling and bleeding, and running up sand hills. 5k later, I sprint ahead of Dan, right at the end to make the team, and I feel like I've won the Lottery.
My first year is miserable. I'm dead last in every race. People are telling me things like "Hey Josh, at least you are faster than all the people at school who don't run." Yeah, thanks.
Ok, so I suck. But at least I get to run with these guys. These guys who all have three things: 1.) They are gifted runners, 2.) They all have heart, and would give anything to win, 3.) They all have the same amazing coach.
I know it's an amazing opportuty: It's like a totally average guy getting to play with the dream team for four years.
Of course that's only the beginning. We train together all through high school, running both cross country in the fall and track in the spring - Me and these guys who were all super runners. I go from dead last to middle of the pack to the front of the pack. By Senior Year, we're all wicked fast.
By this point I'm actually winning races (In track, I won every race that Dave Mitchell, my team mate, didn't run. Screw you Dave!). We're all known state wide, and we all have boxes full of medals. Our Cross Country team won league three years in a row and CIF Championships two years in a row. I finished that track season running a 4:26 mile.
One thing I am absolutely sure of, without a doubt, is that I could never have run a 4:26 mile on my own. There is no way I could have run at that level in high school without having a team.
I could never have done it alone. It was all about the team.
My first year running Cross Country
Stop Doing It The Hard Way
(the hard way is doing it alone)
One of the most powerful things you can do for stick-to-it-ness for your workout and diet is to connect regularly with other people who are doing the same thing.
I strongly recommend workout buddies, online communities, RKC taught kettlebell classes – anything that can connect you with other people who are doing the same thing you are.
I'm all about stacking the deck in your favor, instead of relying on willpower. Strong social support can add some pressure to stick to your program, if you have communities you belong to where the workout program is the common link.
That's why running clubs, weight watchers, even group fitness classes where everyone knows each other all work to add leverage to you sticking to your program.
If you're doing the 21 Day Kettlebell Swing Challenge, here are three places you can connect with other people who are doing it to.
1.) 21 Day Kettlebell Swing Challenge Facebook Page
Everyone is on Facebook, so this is the easiest place to connect. I just set it up today, so it's brand new!
2.) On Twitter, with the hashtag #21daykettlebell or even just #kettlebell
If you're on Twitter, a really awesome way to keep up with everyone else doing the 21 Day Kettlebell Swing Challenge is with #21daykettlebell on the end of all of your workout posts.
3.) On the DragonDoor kettlebell forum
Right now there are a few threads about the 21 Day Kettlebell Challenge, and if you're part of the DD community, this is a great place to discuss the Challenge, as well as all things kettlebell. If you aren't familiar with DragonDoor, it's the home of the RKC Kettlebell Instructor Certification.
It actually doesn't matter what program you are doing, I'm sure you can find a community online where there are people who are doing the same thing. You absolutely NEED to connect with people doing the same thing as you.
-Josh Hillis, RKC2, CPT, PES, ZMIS
author of 21 Day Kettlebell Swing Challenge
featured in USA Today and The Denver Post,
and quoted in the Los Angeles Times.
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