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If you find yourself excited to tackle a big fitness goal, but then burn out a few weeks later, you don’t need a better goal.
You need to choose better problems.
Let me explain.
Take a marathon, for example.
Wanting completed a marathon sounds pretty good.
But this is the shiny object at the end of the road.
And while the excitement may be enough to make us jump, it’s like a lighter fluid that burns quickly and then dissipates.
The challenges of running a marathon though? These are here to stay.
- Plan long runs when you’re tired
- Manage nagging pains
- Learn about foot care and blister prevention (not to mention chafing!)
- Meal planning and preparation to support recovery from your runs
- Prioritize sleep over Netflix time so you can get up for that early morning run
- Adjust training when things don’t go according to plan
Moment less glamorous than you imagine if you cross the finish line.
But here’s the thing – if you can learn embrace those parts of the processso you are basically 100% guaranteed to complete the race.
Because the problems and the process are the parts that indeed matter
It is only when we set a big goal without even realizing that we have chosen the problems that come with it that we set ourselves up for failure.
As Mark Manson says (paraphrased):
Stop obsessing over goals.
Start by choosing the problems you want to have.
Many people say they want:
- “get in shape”
- “Build Strength”
- “lose weight”
- “Be more consistent”
But the real question is:
Can you embrace the process that leads you?
If you can, then you are well on your way.
And if the answer is no, it is not a failure.
It is information.
And it gives you the permission to adjust the goal you want and choose the problems that work for you – in your most messy weeks and not only your best.
I would love to hear from you! What issues have you embraced?
– Matt
PS At Nerd Fitness, we are nerds who don’t just love fitness. We love coaching.
