Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 87 – Setbacks - JP Fitness Forums

Mahler · 10-24-2005, 07:08 AM

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 87 – Setbacks

Good morning, guys.
My thoughts and prayers go out this morning to those who will be affected by hurricane Wilma. To all in her path, may you be safe.

On Friday, I completed the final exercise of Scrawny to Brawny. Over the weekend I was faced with the question of what to do next. A fitness journey does not really have an end, but many destinations and stops along the way. This week will be my planned rest week with some light maintenance and a little more running. While thinking about possibilities for my next routine I recalled the plight of a few guys I know.

For the past several weeks I have had correspondence with a number of friends who have had setbacks. An injury, a change in schedule, an illness can all make us lose focus and stray from the course. Sometimes it’s none of these, but just a lack of willpower or a feeling that we are burned out or just not getting anywhere. Our goals seem to elude us and so we just give up trying. It’s not unusual and it’s not failure. It happens to all of us once in a while and sooner or later. The big difference is in how we react.

I take inspiration from the reactions of others to adversity. I delight in the enthusiasm of a friend who was injured and can’t wait to get back to his routine. I am motivated by another, who just lost interest and one day walked by the weights in the basement and did a routine and regained his enthusiasm. I am touched by yet another, fighting illness and disability, who is thankful for the gains that he has made and what he has gotten from his journey.

We all face setbacks in our lives and in our fitness goals. Where we want to be and where we are can often seem worlds apart. That thought can often sidetrack our plans, our enthusiasm and sap our spirit. It is a thought that can prompt us to give up, to give in and say, why bother.

Giving up is like a period of mourning, lamenting something that has been lost. Loss of determination, loss of enthusiasm, loss of commitment, you name it. But, as with the more serious losses in our lives, when we mourn the passing of a friend or loved one, we know that eventually we have to move on, to regroup and go forward. That gap between where we are and where we want to be can be bridged. Just knowing where we want to be can be a great motivator. Getting there is just a matter of steps and of time.

Every journey has its perils, its delays and its setbacks. Overcoming them is part of the plan. After all, what is the alternative? Do we simply end up sitting by the side of the road watching life pass us by? Yes, sometimes we need to sit by the side of the road, to catch our breath, to check the map and make sure of our course. Then we need to get up again and move on. Our destination is out there, somewhere, waiting for our arrival. When we get there, its merely a stop to regroup, take a look at the compass and plot our next course. There is always another destination, another goal. If not, what is our purpose? Why did we begin in the first place? Fitness, like life, is not a journey with an end, but only a continuing succession of new beginnings.

= = = = = = = = = =

Have a great week.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

Jean-Paul · 10-24-2005, 07:12 AM

Truly living up to your new jpfitness title! Thanks Mahler.

Howard_Rourke · 10-24-2005, 07:15 AM

Good one, John. Timely too, as I come back from a fitness hiatus.

BTW, if you haven't tried Great Guns, you should!

Howie

OldGuy · 10-24-2005, 07:32 AM

Have you been spying on me?

I've gone through some personal issues which have kept me out of the gym for too long. When I got up this morning I thought this would be the day to go back. After reading this the choice of not going there tonight has been eliminated.

Thanks again, Mahler.

Terry Monk · 10-24-2005, 07:43 AM

You are about one of the wisest people I know Mahler. Thank you for those great words.

I, too, had to decide on a new routine this weekend but was so excited by my newly acheived goals I couln't wait to choose from so many great pre-planned routines.

Deserve · 10-24-2005, 09:34 AM

You know what this one means John. Nice work.

Marykaa · 10-24-2005, 11:15 AM

When I was fencing, I always said that what makes a Champion.. is not how they win, but how they react to defeat.

I'm glad that there are people teaching the same thing but in so much better words.

To all who take inspiration from the reactions of others to adversity :
When I paralysed at 28, took me 2 years to learn to walk again, but over 20 years later.. I'm still learning stuff that I would never have thought of or learned if it hadn't happened to me.

Chris Correia · 10-24-2005, 11:22 AM

Thank you, John. Good words to start the week.

Marykaa: Thank YOU, as well. Thank you for chiming in. You inrpire me today, too. Best to you!

hard_rox · 10-24-2005, 11:42 AM

Nice one, John. Forces us realize even the smallest action can be inspirational to both ourselves and others.

Mahler · 10-24-2005, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gymrat:
You are about one of the wisest people I know Mahler. Thank you for those great words.

As I was growing up, I heard that often.

"Oh, wise guy, huh?

Usually followed by a nyuck, nyuck, nyuck.

Mahler

duff beer · 10-24-2005, 05:42 PM

Well done, as always. Thank you for helping to keep me (and many others) motivated on those days when it is too easy to skip a workout.

K-Court · 10-24-2005, 06:30 PM

As always, thought-provoking, John. Thanks for continuing to inspire.

And, Marykaa, thanks for sharing your story with us too. You've obviously walked the talk on this topic.

Marykaa · 10-24-2005, 09:38 PM

CHRIS, K-COURT

*smile* but I must say.. to me my story is so ordinary.. I talked about in my log.. just to put in perspective where I come from for my present training, and was really surprised at peoples reaction.. I never compared it to some accomplishment.. usually I'm just glad where I'm at...... thanks for reminding me that I DID do something good : )

ichbinba · 10-25-2005, 06:42 AM

As always, a great inspiring read! thanks!

rookie · 10-25-2005, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gymrat:
[QB] You are about one of the wisest people I know Mahler. Thank you for those great words.
I/QB]

Poor guy doesn't know may people.

Just kidding, great post Mahler.

rookie · 10-25-2005, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gymrat:
[QB] You are about one of the wisest people I know Mahler. Thank you for those great words.
I/QB]

Poor guy doesn't know many people.

Just kidding, great post Mahler.

Terry Monk · 10-25-2005, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rookie:

quote:
Originally posted by gymrat:
[QB] You are about one of the wisest people I know Mahler. Thank you for those great words.
I/QB]

Poor guy doesn't know many people.

Just kidding, great post Mahler. [/quote]LOL!

well, I know a few people. [img]tongue.gif[/img] ha!

Casper · 10-25-2005, 08:01 AM

Good post John. My fitness journey has been like a rollercoaster the past year. I just started my 5th week of working out and am feeling great.

Glad I see all the regulars are still cranking away here. Hopefully I will be in full swing come next retreat.

Told Jamie I would bench press his scrawny arse a few times.