Unlocking Physical Health & Wellness Part I

When working towards a long-term goal or a desired outcome, I like to simplify things by picturing a set of scales. Seesaw that will tip one way or another based on action (or inaction). 

On one side of the scales we have the goal. The action and the thing you want to achieve. The other side is the opposite of that thing. In between those two points you have your midpoint, the axis of the seesaw and that represents where you are at this point in time between those two outcomes.

So let’s make this real world. Let’s say that I am a runner, I can at this point in time run 5km without stopping or feeling pain. The physio goal in this example is to run a marathon, and at the other end of the scales I would label as not being able to run at all. And like any good goal I need to give myself a timeframe - let’s say 6 months.

So in approximately 182 days the seesaw that I have designed will be positioned according to whether or not I have been able to run a marathon. If I can achieve my physio goal and complete the marathon, it will the tipped completely towards that objective. If I have made zero change to my running ability it will be perfectly horizontal. If I break my leg one day before the race then it will be tipped completely in the ‘can’t run at all’ direction. 

My primary objective for this 6 months is to put something on the scales to tip them in my favour.

Makes sense, but how do we do that?

The answer is my behaviours. What I do or don’t do. These are the things that will impact the scale and move it in one direction or another. Good choices and positive behaviours will tip things towards the goal. But negative choices will have the opposite effect.

This allows me to do one very simple thing that has a profound impact on how I approach goals. It forces me to only worry about the things I can control. It allows me to build a a plan that I will predict success and avoid failure. I can decide on what I eat, if I skip the gym, if I lace up my running shoes on a cold rainy day or if I prioritise sleep. 

By focusing on the seesaw and what is within my control it helps me to stay focused and disciplined; and we all know discipline and consistency are the biggest factors into achieving anything. This is even more true when facing long-term physio goals and challenges.

It also adds perspective. One chocolate bar will not destroy your goal, just like one run will not achieve it. It also reinforces the important notion that says, if nothing changes then nothing will change. 

Continued in part II of unlocking physio goals - Pick the boulders, not gemstones