So, you know the plan I talked about last week in “What’s Your Plan?“ The plan you put together for yourself is only as good as the effort you put into your plan. Just this past week, I was on my own for a challenging workout that was part of a specific program. The planned workout was definitely what I NEEDED to be doing, but not at all what I WANTED to be doing. There were several times that I really wanted to stop. I didn’t want to do any more reps or keep going for ten more seconds. I could still say that I completed the workout, no one else would know. But, I would know.
I will fully admit that I am a competitive person. Over the years I have mellowed a bit, but the underlying desire and drive to win, to be better, to succeed is innately part of me. Whether in school, work, or races I put forth my best effort to perform. Not every time was a smashing success, but I never felt the need to game the system in order to come out on top.
Unfortunately, there will always be people who try to win or check a box no matter what the cost. There is even a website dedicated to tracking those who cheat during marathons. The Tour de France has a history of elite athletes trying to get every little edge they can in order to get the coveted yellow jersey. On a more relevant note, there are ways to play with the data on apps that help track workouts and food. All for what? A medal? A virtual badge and confetti in a food tracking app? A high-level place on a leaderboard?
When you set yourself on a good path to health and longevity, gaming the system doesn’t help improve cardiovascular performance, increase stability and strength or make those pants fit better. It does not help with your goals. There might be outward signs of success, but the real achievements need to come from within.
It’s not about being THE best, but being YOUR best. Integrity and being true to oneself speaks more than being number one. During the course of any given week, not every workout is going to be your personal best nor is your diet going to be perfect. Life will toss some obstacles in the way as well. But do you come back and try again? Of course! And maybe the next time will be a little better.
You don’t need to game the system, especially knowing that it won’t get you where you want to be. Remembering why you set out to accomplish whatever it is that you wanted to achieve, will help you stick to your plan that you put in place to achieve it. That’s when you start to have your own personal victories.
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