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A book review with a difference this time: I’m using the theory behind my latest read to illustrate more about goal and resolution setting as that’s my theme this month.
The Flexible Body, by Roger Frampton isn’t a reading book, rather something to dip into as it teaches us how to keep our body moving in the right way. I have my copy on my desk and refer to it regularly.
It’s important to recognise that a goal should not feel comfortable. If it is, the chances are it’s too easy to achieve.
This month, I’ve signed up for Maggie’s Run50 Facebook challenge. Maggie’s centres exist throughout the UK and overseas to care for cancer sufferers and their families. Running 50 miles in a month feels scary for me but, since signing up, I have found friends and colleagues who are also taking part, which gives me comfort and accountability. And that brings me to my first point:
Just because a goal doesn’t feel achievable, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set it.
In The Flexible Body, Roger refers to exercise as a learning process. To me, this says experience and effort are just as important as achievement. Many of us are afraid of failure when it comes to fitness: we link it with emotional goals such as losing weight or changing our body image.
Roger’s comment shows we can view our goals in different ways. The Flexible Body is about learning proper ways to move. It doesn’t need to focus on fitness or calorie burn because that’s a by-product of moving properly.
My 50 miles may be a long distance, but it can be broken down. The exercises in this book are broken into two-minute chunks: one minute of movement and one minute of holding the position. This means I can fit it in during my working day and the benefit will build over time. That brings me to my second point:
The goal is more than the goal itself.
Often, our challenges are intended as a catalyst for change. The most successful ones are those we continue with even after the deadline. Look at the way you are working towards your goal. Is it fitting in with your life or causing you angst as you try to stick with your commitment?
Taking on a challenge during lockdown is hard. Motivation and energy might be lacking as we struggle with a lack of routine or boundaries. But, think more flexibly: I love travelling but obviously can’t go anywhere at the moment. So, by taking part in video runs, I complete some of my miles on my treadmill and get to ‘run’ somewhere new and exciting. Equally, when I go out with my running buddy, I am getting fresh air which improves my mood. Either way, working towards my goal is giving me so much more than the outcome I originally considered.
Our goals must be linked to something we value to make them sustainable and achievable. Along with my experiences, which give me purpose, my reason is to raise much needed funds for a charity that helps people in far worse situations than I might find myself when in the middle of a challenging run. Which takers me to my final point:
Goals need a true reason and purpose.
I hope this flexible way of thinking about your goals and resolutions helps. Do let me know what you achieve and how you go about it.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://mindvaluesleadership.co.uk/resources/the-flexible-body-roger-frampton/” button_text=”To order your copy” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#951b81″ hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]