When I was a little girl, and still true today, I needed to know the why for everything I was told and encountered. Why do I have to make my bed Mom? Why do some people have a home and why do some people sleep on the streets Dad? Why did Pepe get so sick? Why is she skinny and I am pudgy? Why do boys want to date her and only play with me?I am sure my curiosity tickled my parents. "Why ask why?" I heard them say to me more than once. And I then would smile, shrug my shoulders, go play, and mull over each question I had about the curious life I was standing in the middle of. I definitely have heard way too often that I think too much. I know! I actually enjoy this personality trait of mine. Of course I can be a bit too analytical for my own good, however, I do think there's a reason for everything and without a why the obstacles and life struggles that we will inevitably face will be viewed more as frustrations and bad luck than endless possibilities.
A client this week confessed that she was having trouble with her why. "Weight loss is just not enough obviously." I appreciated her honesty and the look in her eyes that revealed a deep desire to understand why losing 50lbs is not enough to get her butt to the gym every day. I have asked her many times "What are you working for?" and I know that each one of you have heard or read this before. We have to know what we are working for! However, it was clear in that moment that knowing what we are working for may not be enough. Maybe it is the why that is more important than the what.
Until this week I had never differentiated between the two. I always thought that it was the what that kept us motivated with our goals, that helped us push through the fatigue and get to the gym, and enabled us to say no to dessert at the end of dinner. However, even though I wanted to be absolutely ripped and cut for my trip to San Diego I still ate Mexican food, pizza, cereal and doing cardio six days a week for 60 minutes rarely happened. At one point I actually thought that I failed at my goal. Could it have been the WHAT that had failed me?
I asked my client about her why, besides the 50lbs. She admitted she had to think about this, for if it was not the 50lb weight loss goal that kept her committed to her exercise game plan what the heck was it?
I immediately thought of her health and living a long productive life that would not involve medication, a high risk for heart disease and diabetes, depression, and a wavering self-confidence. I could define her WHY. And it was then that I knew the difference between knowing what you are working for and knowing why you are working for it.
The WHAT pertains to the personal goals you set. It includes weight loss, training to complete a 5k or a triathlon, exercising so you can fit into your skinny jeans or look hot in your bikini for spring break, becoming consistent with a healthy nutrition program, and committing to make it to the gym at least 4xs a week. The WHY is less tangible and at times you cannot see or touch the why. It's the reason and purpose that lies beneath the WHAT. The WHY is the focus on the health of your body and mind and the optimal function of YOU as a whole. The WHY is the impetus behind the need to participate in daily cardiovascular activity and to be mindful of your calorie intake and the consumption of saturated fat and refined sugar. The WHY is the fundamental reason for the importance of making fitness a lifestyle.
Why?
* Excess belly fat is dangerous for your health
* Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for woman
* Type II Diabetes is preventable
* Eating right and exercising often will reduce your risk for cancer
* A consistent exercise and nutrition game plan will effect the way you age
* Exercise contributes to a restful sleep cycle
* Exercise may reduce the effects of depression
* Self-confidence effects internal happiness
Define your why! We all know our WHAT. That's the easy part of setting short term goals and counting calories. However, the WHAT can be short lived. Once you have reached your goals, WHY do you continue to exercise, watch what you eat, and workout when you feel like doing nothing else but sitting down on the couch and snacking.
What is your WHY?
2 comments:
There have been so many times while taking of your many classes that I found myself gasping for air answering your famous question in my head with "I don't know!" and thought something was wrong with me. You motivate me in class with your teaching style, the techniques, your music selection and comments in class. Yet every time you asked us "What are we working for??" I could never really think of a specific reason. Now I understand. I think I work out for the WHY. I too want to look good but really it goes deeper than that. And even when I weighed 15 lbs less I still never felt satisfied. But your blog has made me think. I couldn't help but think of 'who what where when why'. Anyway, I've just realized the WHEN for me. And the WHEN is never going to be a specific future date. The WHEN is every single time I work out. I'm never going to feel better than after each time I work out. And that is WHY I'm motivated to get to the gym, it's a feeling. So you're right, it's not a WHAT for me, it's WHY. Thanks for continuing to inspire and enlighten me.
Wow! Enough said! Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions I ask you! You rock
Post a Comment