Maybe it’s just me, maybe it isn’t – but I remember when I started doing 5KM runs and everytime the nerves would kick in. My mind started to ask questions and even 12 hours out from the actual run itself I was already preparing myself for what is to come. Why? Well if you don’t experience this, or maybe you do and you have no idea why… I don’t either. But what I can tell you is that these nerves and mind games can be channeled into something more and something which can enable you for the better. This is my interpretation…
Growth
To me, nerves/being nervous is a sign that growth is coming… that I am about to step outside of my comfort zone and bring on a new level, or at least try to. But how can this be for my run? Well, when I run, I run to win and what I mean by that, is I run outperform my previous run… and to do that I need to step it up (push harder) and this scares me, it makes me anxious as I am setting an expectation to achieve higher, to be greater (faster) than before. In order to get to that result, I will endure some hardship of pain and I will need to constantly fight my mind while in the progress of the run. I have to tell myself I have got this and that I can do this, that I am strong enough and by the end of it I should have beaten my goal. When I don’t… it is a disappointment… but when I do I feel like I have conquered the world. So regardless of if I beat it or not – each week I have the same mentality to get out there and own it and beat it the next time. Likewise – this is the same mentality across my broader aspects of my life. All that I do, or all that I am pursuing, I am pursuing to be better each day. Growth by each day is a life I will know I have lived to its fullest.
Breaking The Mind
Further to the point before – another reason why I am feeling nervous is that I am about to embark on a period of pain. Pain in the muscles… yes… but more so a deeper pain and battle with the mind. 12 hours before I am out there to do my best, my mind is already scared of the endurance and potential hardship it is going to have to suffer in order to get the result I want. Like when you hit yourself with a hammer… next time you will be frightened… or cringe before making the next move. Your brain automatically tries to protect you from doing something it thinks you will not want to endeavor. Maybe I don’t. But the better half of me, the one that wants to be a better me has to overcome this mindset and push through no matter. Once again – this is in reference to growth. It is all about the growth. In order to grow – one must travel through valleys, through mountains and rivers. Through the easy and through the rough. This is all part of this journey.
A New Reality
Regardless of if I beat my run or not – to me the nerves even when not related to running imply another point. To me, they imply that change, a better chance, a lesson is coming my way. As no matter what is the result of the run or whatever it is causing the nerves, I am either going to come out happy with a new goal or a new level of achievement, or I am going to come out of it experiencing a sense of failure, but with a new fight to fight for and new poke of motivation. When we fail or make a mistake – these are to be fueled by a new energy to try again and try again harder, bigger and better than the first time. So ultimately I am always going to be coming out of the experience as a better person… sometimes it can just take longer than usual.. or that I would like.
Ultimately – these nerves are setting me up for a journey in which I will grow, that I will win battles, or create new goals and in the end, it brings me to a new level, to a new location with a new experience and result. From this, as it compounds (with runs, or whatever else it may be), I am going to continue to exponentially grow. The best part is; I am growing in many ways. I’m growing my mental state, my psychological state, my fitness, my health and also my perceptions, my experiences and my ability to conquer fear.
So next time you feel a little nervous or even a lot. Remind yourself that this is because you are outside your comfort zone – and you need to remember that where the real magic happens, is when you are outside your comfort zone.
One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again. – Abraham Maslow
Go on – get out there and shine.
Photo Credit: Instagram @s.dem_| Location: Patmos Island, Greece
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Like 2016, 2017 brings new horizons and new opportunities. How we react and take action on these opportunities will ultimately redefine how 2017 will be. What will you do?