Glass half empty or half full?
Depends on how you look at it. Critical feedback: personal attack or an opportunity for growth? Most likely influenced by your particular mood on the day or how you choose to view and analyse things.
The dictionary definition of perception is the way in which something is regarded, interpreted or understood.
I strongly believe that this has a massive bearing on how we navigate the map of life, especially when we’re faced with challenges. And I know this to be particularly true when it comes to our health, fitness and wellness journey.
I come into contact with clients from all walks of life and I’m privileged enough to be exposed to a colourful rainbow of personality types who are always challenging me to adapt. You’ve got those who are super-keen right from the outset and want to do everything straight away. Then you’ve got the slow-burners who come in a little apprehensive at first, but gradually come around to the idea of lifestyle change for sustainable results.
Every so often there are the ones who just can’t seem to get into a good rhythm. There’s an internal battle going on with Tim Tams and beer in one corner and broccoli and mineral water in the other. Or the couch and Netflix versus the gym and hitting some squats. Netflix usually being the victor.
In my experience as a coach, the resistant ones are the ones who have chosen a negative perspective over a positive one.
Below is a simple table that focuses on shifting perception. You can use and refer to it, especially when times are tough.
| SITUATION | SWAP OUT | SWAP IN |
|---|---|---|
| Change food choices to align with goals | View change as restrictive and boring | Appreciate healthy food and the healing and results it will produce |
| Go to the gym regularly | See it as a chore | A challenge to make you mentally and physically stronger |
| Social Settings | FOMO (fear of missing out) or the idea that your social life has to come to a complete halt | Choose venues that align with goals. Pick big nights out wisely and sporadically |
When people come to the gym, they want results. But it’s the mind that gets in the way. Every choice we make is an opportunity for growth or a decision to move closer to, or further away from, what we want. When our actions align with our goals, that’s when we feel positive and motivated.
Every choice we make is an opportunity for growth or a decision to move closer to, or further away from, what we want.
If anything you’ve read here has resonated with you, I’d encourage you to take a magnifying glass to your own perception of things and adjust anything that’ll have an immediate positive impact. Our mind is a muscle that needs to be trained just like the rest of our body.
