Most days, I’m pretty proud of my accomplishments. I became a Division I strength coach at the age of 21. I’ve hit some pretty big numbers in the sport of powerlifting. I’ve had some awesome work experiences along the way. I’ve helped many clients achieve some great results. I’ve watched some of the athletes I worked with make it to the NFL. I’ve watched those young 18 year old kids grow up into wonderful adults, graduate, get married and have kids.
Makes me proud to have been a part of those things.
But some days, I just don’t feel like things are going all that well. And I blame it on the internet. (Kidding… kinda.)
The internet is a wonderful place of finding awesome information, networking with professionals in your field and staying caught up with friends. Unfortunately, because of the overload of information and “friends” we do have, it can cause us to over-analyze every little thing. A couple weeks ago, everywhere I turned, I found myself comparing my work, my writing, my lifting and myself to every person that crossed my path.
It was very frustrating, de-motivating and damaging to my confidence. And I, of all people, should know better. I work with kids every day and do a darn good job of making them feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. We focus on the positives and teach them about not saying things like “can’t” or “never.”
I usually vent to my husband about stuff like this… he kindly listens and reassures me that I have nothing to worry about. That I’m in a much different place than other people and the work that I’m doing is right where I need to be. But last week, I also got in a conversation with one of my Elitefts teammates (mostly regarding training) and he said the same thing. He also said that comparing myself to others doesn’t do anybody any good. And all I can do is bust my butt in the gym.
 |
| Photography by Ken Hicks – Elitefts.com |
And, he said that my big PR’s, my big numbers, are right in front of me. All I have to do is walk toward them. If i really want to squat 460 again, I can, but I have to first recognize that it’s there for the taking. My husband also continues to encourage me to finish and write this e-book that I’m working on, despite me telling myself that no one will want to listen to what I have to say.
Negative self-talk can be one of the most damaging things in our lives and the major setback to moving forward in any goal, whether it’s training, family, or professional. I would never let my own children or the athletes I work with speak negative about themselves, so what gives me the right to that?
What are your goals? What’s holding you back? And how do you plan to overcome?
