Focus On What You Want - Do What It Takes to Get It
It often means doing something you might not want to do.
There was a time in my life when I believed that if I did what I enjoyed, I would end up with the results I wanted. I’ve realized that needs to be modified a bit.
For example, there are many things I would rather do than exercise. I enjoy many sedentary activities. I won’t have the body I want by sitting on my butt.
What body do I want? The answer to that question determines what I need to do. If I just want to be able to walk long distances, I could achieve that by walking. I enjoy walking.
If I want to have the body of a weightlifter, I’ll have to lift weights. I don’t mind lifting weights. It takes time and I have frequently done too much and gotten hurt.
I’ve decided that I really want to be strong and agile. I have been able to improve with simple exercises that take about ten minutes morning and night.
I also want to be healthy. I had x-rays of my spine taken last year. They showed several degenerated discs. That is no surprise for a 70 year-old. I had also lost an inch in height. That is also the norm for a 70 year old. My cervical (neck) curve is slightly reduced with slight forward head posture. I began doing traction exercises for my neck almost two years ago. I have gained 3/8 of an inch in height. My range of motion has improved.
My legs have lost a lot of muscle mass. I began incorporating squats with my cervical traction, a few months ago. The process takes five to ten minutes depending on how many reps I do. Sixty reps is recommended. I started only stretching my neck. The traction device attaches to a wall and fits around my head. Traction occurs by bending my knees.
When I decided to make traction a leg exercise, I lowered the device by about 3.5 inches. That was easy. When I lowered another 3.5 inches, I need a break. When I got to about 30 reps, I stopped and waited for my heart rate and breathing to reduce. I remember thinking I’d break my 60 reps up into sets. Within a couple of days, I was able to do 60 reps without stopping. I tried going lower but couldn’t do it. After a few weeks, I could go down until my hips are about six inches from the floor. A few days ago, I did 90 reps without stopping. I have gained two inches around my thighs. I feel much stronger when I walk.
My exercises are taking under an hour per day. I spend ten minutes in morning doing upper body work before I shower. I do the same routine before preparing for bed. That is twenty minutes. I spend another ten doing squats. I often do that twice per day. I also use a support under my neck while lying on my back for about ten minutes. I usually do that once per day.
Sometimes I don’t want to do exercise, but I’m really enjoying the results. Focusing on the end result helps keep me motivated to do what needs to be done.
Can you think of any goal that doesn’t apply to?