When we think of work it's not always an appealing thought.
So when people decide to get in shape and improve their health, why do they call it "working out?" It should be called training.
When we say we are "training" it usually brings to mind that we are doing something to improve.
We know that training can be challenging.
We know it can be exhausting.
But we are improving.
Work is, well, work.
When we think about going to work it typically doesn't conjure thoughts of improvement.
We think about getting the job done.
We must constantly look at the words we use.
The psychological difference between using the words "work out" versus "training" is huge.
There is a completely different level of expectation.
It's much like the difference between using the words "can't" and "I will try.
" But even in this instance we must be aware.
The word "try" is often used as an escape route.
When someone tells you they will "try" to be there on time, what they are really saying is they will be there on time if it's convenient for them.
In my karate classes and my adult fitness classes I constantly remind the students to try.
I know Yoda says, "there is no try" but I think he is wrong, as long as it's put in the right context.
When a student starts to give up on themselves, I remind them they are not going to get it perfect the first time.
Or even the tenth for that matter.
But as long as they try to make it a little better each time, it will eventually be way better.
And low and behold, they try just a little harder.
So what words are you using to motivate yourself to train? What do you say to yourself so you are confident you will have a great training session? You have a constant internal dialogue running.
Your dialogue is either moving you toward something or away from it.
If you want to have a good "training session" (the new words I want you to use), any negative self-talk will throw a wrench into it.
Saying things like "I hope" are negative.
Saying things like "I will" are positive.
If the "I will" falls a little short during your training session, so what.
We all have days when training goes a little sideways on us.
It just reminds us that next time "I will do better.
" So don't beat yourself up before you start training (we don't say workout anymore).
Put yourself in the right frame of mind.
What you say to yourself before you train will have a far greater impact on your performance then any other factor.
So when people decide to get in shape and improve their health, why do they call it "working out?" It should be called training.
When we say we are "training" it usually brings to mind that we are doing something to improve.
We know that training can be challenging.
We know it can be exhausting.
But we are improving.
Work is, well, work.
When we think about going to work it typically doesn't conjure thoughts of improvement.
We think about getting the job done.
We must constantly look at the words we use.
The psychological difference between using the words "work out" versus "training" is huge.
There is a completely different level of expectation.
It's much like the difference between using the words "can't" and "I will try.
" But even in this instance we must be aware.
The word "try" is often used as an escape route.
When someone tells you they will "try" to be there on time, what they are really saying is they will be there on time if it's convenient for them.
In my karate classes and my adult fitness classes I constantly remind the students to try.
I know Yoda says, "there is no try" but I think he is wrong, as long as it's put in the right context.
When a student starts to give up on themselves, I remind them they are not going to get it perfect the first time.
Or even the tenth for that matter.
But as long as they try to make it a little better each time, it will eventually be way better.
And low and behold, they try just a little harder.
So what words are you using to motivate yourself to train? What do you say to yourself so you are confident you will have a great training session? You have a constant internal dialogue running.
Your dialogue is either moving you toward something or away from it.
If you want to have a good "training session" (the new words I want you to use), any negative self-talk will throw a wrench into it.
Saying things like "I hope" are negative.
Saying things like "I will" are positive.
If the "I will" falls a little short during your training session, so what.
We all have days when training goes a little sideways on us.
It just reminds us that next time "I will do better.
" So don't beat yourself up before you start training (we don't say workout anymore).
Put yourself in the right frame of mind.
What you say to yourself before you train will have a far greater impact on your performance then any other factor.