(ThyBlackMan.com) One of my jobs as fit pro is to build into my client’s program a certain number of sets to complete when working out. I urge my clients to finish all of the prescribed sets. Doing so is not just good for the body; finishing a set is a psychological win. Often, we fail to finish a ‘set’ in life – degree plan, owning a business, losing weight – because we hit a roadblock.
In a culture that places way too much emphasis on age, it is easy to become disillusioned when our dreams do not materialize right away. A lot of people get stuck in life – and in fear – because they stop dreaming. In short, they have given up before the set is finished. One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 12:1-3, which
describes life’s greatest race and greatest finisher – Jesus Christ – who we are to emulate as we run this race with perseverance. You have a finisher inside of you! Here are three motivators you can use to keep fighting to the end.
Principle#1:
Get a spotter
It’s always good to have a spotter when working out. A spotter is a person who stands ready to assist while you are performing a particular exercise. Having a spotter allows you to lift more weight than what you normally would. Same holds true in life. You may have begun a project but needed a little push along the way. You can lift more weight in life when you find those who will push and motivate you. We all need that extra wind beneath our wings, someone there to nudge us toward our greatness.
“One of the most beautiful qualities about true friendship is to understand and be understood.”
—Seneca
Consider joining (or even launching) a master mind group. A master mind group is a group of people who share common knowledge, logistics and goals with one objective – the advancement of each member of the group. They are people you can lean on, obtain advice and share connections with; each person in the group has a skill and expertise in addition to what you bring. According to Forbes Magazine, people who have peer-to-peer mentors on a regular basis are more successful, more willing to take risks and earn more money than those who do not have this type of interaction. In the gym, a spotter knows when to intervene and when to assist a lifter. Likewise, a master mind group is designed to help you navigate change and challenge as you walk into your purpose.
Principle#2:
One more Rep!
Build your life one rep at a time. In life, a rep means activity or action that you undertake to improve yourself. It could be a book; it could be registering for a free practical at your local library. Whatever it is, make it count. Everything – every book you read, every course you take, and every workout you do – moves you one step closer to your goal and to the life of your dreams.
One more rep could mean the difference between success and failure; promotion and demotion; moving forward or backward. Use this principle across the spectrum of your life. One more: glass of water, serving of lean meat, brisk walk in the park, ‘I love you’ in the mirror, pat on your own back, goal set and goal achieved. Just one more!
Principle#3:
Don’t Get Comfortable with Your Plateau
The peak of a workout is an awesome feeling. Your muscles feel ripped, adrenalin is pumping and your energy is up. You feel on top of the world! Recall the feeling I shared when I published my first book; to walk into a book store and see it what I created was an ineffable experience. A plateau, by contrast, is when you feel your progress has stalled, when nothing seems to be coming together. The same happens in life. We just feel stuck. Far too many people have become comfortable with their plateau and have stopped aiming for the peak. They stop striving to get better. Don’t let that be you!
Whether in life or in the gym, the best way out of a plateau is to stay focused on your goal. You will become what you are focused on. Set a simple personal goal like taking a brisk walk or reading a book each day. Make it a point that you are going to reach that goal before that day ends. After a few of these personal milestones you will rediscover your enthusiasm.
“The vision that you glorify in your heart, the ideal that you enthrone in your mind, this you shall build your life by and this you shall become.”
—James Allen
When you get stuck in life, finish the set!
Staff Writer; W. Eric Croomes
This talented brother is a holistic lifestyle exercise expert and founder and executive coach of Infinite Strategies LLC, a multi-level coaching firm that develops and executes strategies for fitness training, youth achievement and lifestyle management. Eric is an author, fitness professional, holistic life coach and motivational speaker.
In October 2015, Eric released Life’s A Gym: Seven Fitness Principles to Get the Best of Both, which shows readers how to use exercise to attract a feeling of wellness, success and freedom (Infinite Strategies Coaching LLC, 2015) – http://www.infinitestrategiescoaching.com.