How To Move Forward

How can you move forward and start taking steps toward a desired change or goal?

What is the necessary shift in perspective? I am learning about the brain, and we all have one, no matter what gender, culture or age we are. We all have a brain, and it seems to be very much in control of how we function and what we focus on.

I recently realized that I really needed to experience a real perspective shift to prepare for eventual knee surgery. I needed to become willing to do a few things a little differently in my current situation. Although the wait for this surgery is expected to be a long one, I still need to be as ready physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually as I can be.

So in the meantime, I have been tasked with this new exercise routine that is important and is supposed to increase my muscle strength and prepare me for post-surgery recovery.

And guess what? I had to get honest with myself and admit that although I make up this story in my mind that I am more physically active than I really am, I had to admit this story is somewhat distorted. The truth is I exercise in minimal amounts, and I don’t like exercise one bit! I have always had to push myself to do any type of physical activity except for playing golf. I love golfing; therefore, it’s really easy for me to get moving and do this activity.

So, now that I have become honest with myself, I also need to create new neural pathways because my current pathways in my brain are embedded deeply in the “I don’t like or enjoy exercising” zone!

I need to assess my habits:

• What do I habitually do that gets in the way of my physical activity goals?

• What do I habitually think?

• What habits do I typically describe as problems that stop me from my goal?

• What habits do I want to keep, and what habits do I want to change?
  

I have learned that if I am going to make these changes, I need to focus and start small, take baby steps in making these changes, and make new habits that are easy to start and easier to start creating the new neural pathways I need to keep increasing the behaviour that is necessary to help me increase my physical activity.

I’m excited about this new endeavour I am on, and I’m excited that as a coach, I can also share some of this content and practice with the people I coach! Remember, we all have a brain and habits. So are you thinking it’s time to change to move forward?

(Adapted from Coaching the Brain, Joseph O’Conner and Andrea Lages)