Dec 21, 2018
Develop Mental Toughness
Ever feel an overwhelming urge to put yourself to the test?
Those are the feelings I’ve been having so of late.
The need to test my limits. Push my mind and body to see how far I can go. Then go some more.
2018 has been a somewhat lazy kind of year for me in the physical sense.
Usually, I am a regular gym goer. Working out a minimum of three times per week without fail. But not this year.
I did start the year with good intentions. With the aim to take my health and fitness to the next level.
But it wasn’t to be.
Minimal Motivation
The plan was simple. To work out as much as possible. Increase my fitness and to take part in as many running events as possible. And also to run a half marathon by the end of the year.
By March I had cancelled my gym membership. Come June I was doing little to no strenuous exercise at all.
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t sitting around eating junk and developing man boobs.
But I wasn’t pushing myself nearly as much as I could — or should — have.
A few bike rides here and there. Out for walks with the kids. Nothing that was really challenging.
I just couldn’t be bothered. It was easier to relax and live comfortably.
This went on for most of the year until I decided to start boxing training again.
The Good Bit
Returning to boxing did kickstart my motivation for exercise a little but not to the level it was at before.
It did, however, bring my fitness back up to a reasonable level which aided me in completing a half marathon — allowing me to tick that one of this year’s to-do list 👍.
Completing the half marathon — and not dying — was another step in the right direction towards getting back on track and back in shape again.
But, what has really relit my fire for fitness is listening to the people who overcome mind blowing challenges
There are endless amounts of videos on YouTube and interviews on various podcasts, T.V and radio stations with these people.
The people that are faced with the unthinkable challenges that would crush the souls of regular people — like me.
But they somehow find a way to overcome their demons and come out the other side stronger than before.
While there are amazing human beings like this from all walks of life, I have been drawn towards those that take on ultra-marathons, Ironman competitions and Triathlons.
The mental toughness and determination of these people has really inspired me to get off my ass and look for some real challenges.
Listening to the stories of amazing people such as:
- David Goggins
- John Joseph
- Courtney Dauwalter
- Brain Rose and;
- Rich Roll
(Check out the links below to be inspired)
As I listen and follow the lives of these amazing people I can’t help but be motivated to get out there and live my life — and I’m sure you will feel the same.
2019 is just around the corner and what better time to set yourself some crazy goals.
It’s highly unlikely that we will reach the level of these tremendous athletes but everyone has to start somewhere.
So let's make 2019 a year that will become the benchmark for all the years that follow and one that sticks in your memory forever 👊.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for being a part of my writing journey. I appreciate you taking the time to read my article. I hope you enjoyed it. Please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below, I’d love to hear your story 😁.
