Starting a running program is as much of a mental challenge as it is a physical one. In fact, most people shy away from starting a running program for one main reason, lack of faith in one’s abilities. Most people believe that they’re not cut out to be runners.
If you don’t believe that you can be a regular runner, then your doubts will feed your excuse machine and you will come up with countless reasons why you can’t run, ranging from lack of time, fear of injuries, or just postponing the activity to an indefinite point in the future. I use to run with my doubts, now they can’t keep up with me anymore. This is the attitude you need to instill in your mind.
Therefore, if you’re looking to start a running program, but the mental blocks are getting the best out of you, here are some training guidelines that can help!
Connect With The Right People
We’re defined by our company. This is a true statement whether you’re a member of a fitness club or a couch potato club. The people you keep close are going to have the biggest influence on you, Period. Therefore, make sure to connect up the with the right people. Assess your social circle and decide whether you’re mingling with the right people or doing yourself a disservice by hanging out with the wrong crowd. This is not about being “Holier than Thou” or thinking that you’re better than the rest. It’s all about making the right decisions toward yourself and overall health. Bad company is just that. It will do you no good.
If you think that you’re helpless, just head to your local fitness club and you’ll meet plenty of like-minded people. When looking for the right training partner, make sure that you have the same fitness levels and goals. While connecting up with an advanced partner can boost your motivation, doing too much too soon can backfire on your efforts and lead eventually to a painful burnout.
Build The Right Belief
Your mindset determines your life attitudes and results. If you have the right mindset, you’ll see the right things whether you find it comfortable or not. When it comes to being successful in life, regardless of the field you’re involved in, your attitude will determine your altitude. And this is no big secret.
Beliefs are the building blocks of mindset. Think of beliefs as the road signs on your inner map of what you can or can’t achieve. If the right belief is there, you’ll find yourself doing the right things in order to achieve what you’re after. Remember, “If you think you can or can’t, you ‘re right” says John Ford.
The best way to build an empowering mindset is with visualization techniques. This mental rehearsal technique is used by top performers in all fields and there is something magical about it. By seeing yourself as if you’ve already achieved what you’re after, you’ll be giving your unconscious mind the impetus to behave as you want it to.
