Get back on the horse!
Have you ever had a big goal that you were working on relentlessly and then something knocked you off the horse? This happened to me recently and getting back on the horse was difficult. Many of you know I picked up running again about a year ago always running to be 5k ready. I decided to take it up a notch and registered for a 10k. I had my training plan and was following it religiously. Then I got news of a potential medical issue, and my doctor told me to “be a couch potato” until I could get it checked out. Of course, this meant no more running or anything that would elevate my heart rate. Thankfully, last Friday, I was cleared (no medical issue). What did I learn from this experience?
First, I had to deal with my disappointment in not being able to see if I was up to the task of completing the 10k. If you are not able to complete a goal for a reason outside of your control, you need to accept it and move on and that is what I did. However, because I thrive on doing new things, I replaced the 10k goal with a few other project-type activities that required me to learn new skills. This was the easy part.
Second, and more challenging, was getting back into my running and workout routine. I run regularly, but I don’t love it. I do it because it is a challenge, a great cardio workout, does not take a lot of time, and gets me out of the house and off of my desk chair. I had been a couch potato since August 1st, so getting motivated to restart my routine was a challenge. The first day I intended to run, I was lying in bed thinking, “Maybe we should go for a hike today.” This would be less strenuous than running. The second thing I thought was, “I will just lounge around and finish the laundry.” I quickly realized I was making excuses for not doing what was hard. I got up, put on my running clothes and shoes, and did it. I got back on the horse. Had I not done that, I might not have restarted my routine.
Have you been sidelined from completing a goal? Combat your disappointment by finding something else to replace that activity but once you can get back at it, get back on the horse as quickly as you can. Do you need help restarting an action plan you have been working on? Schedule a free discovery session via my website to hear how I can help you.
By the way, there is still a 10k in my future!