1) This semester I failed consistently at starting a workout routine. At the beginning of quarantine, I was really motivated to get in great physical shape by walking, running, and doing more strength training. For the first two or three weeks I was really on top of working out. I would get 10,000 steps in every day, do ab workouts, and even go run the stadium. As quarantine went on, I noticed myself skipping these workouts. I used excuses to validate to myself that it was okay and I would start again tomorrow. Some examples of excuses I used were, "Oh, the gym is closed so I can't workout," "I have too much homework," and "I would rather rest so I can hit it hard tomorrow." Though I still am trying to work on getting a firm workout routine, I still find myself using these excuses to get out of mentally committing.
2) From continuously failing to get on a workout routine, I have learned that it is not about the exercising, but about making a commitment to yourself. Of course I can say that there is not enough time in the day to get a workout in, but there is. Once I commit mentally, I will find a way to make time for a workout; even if it is a small one. Now that I am aware of this, I truly want to do better and get on a routine.
3) I think failure is the driving force behind motivation. Though failure is difficult at times, it only makes me want to try harder to succeed in the future. Emotionally, I handle failure different, depending on the situation. Typically, I will get slightly discouraged at first, process the situation of why I failed, and then mentally prepare for how I can do better. Failure obviously makes me feel like I am not good enough at times, but it really drives my behavior to be stronger in the coming trials. This class has changed my perspective of failure by making me realize how normal it is and how it actually can open your eyes to new perspectives. Compared to a few months ago, I am more likely to take risks because of this class. I also am more comfortable with feedback, as the peers in this class have helped me through tough problems. Finally, this class has helped me acknowledge it is better to try when you are discouraged, rather than not try at all, as effort shows through.
Hi Lily,
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you on this. I wrote about my failure to eat better during quarantine. I was on a roll the first few months of the year and exercising too. The gym closed mid-March of course and then it became insanely hot here in Florida. I find mind saying “I’d love to go for a walk around the lake tonight but it’s just so hot out.” I need to take my “failure” the past couple months and use it to fuel myself to try again. It sounds like this class has helped you embrace failure a bit more and use it to jump-start a renewed effort. Good luck!
Bridget
Lily,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your conclusion that failure is the driving force behind motivation. I think that failure can drive motivation in 2 different ways: it can either be a deterrence or a motivator. Unfortunately for me, I don't take failure well emotionally. I just have to be conscious and know when failure is deterring me from reaching a goal. From what you said, it seems you already know that.