Brain Power

  

Consistency builds the mental strength that fortifies our ability to succeed during moments of unpredictability that occur in life.

Over the last few weeks, I have been talking about finding ways to be consistent and building habits. Our brains thrive on consistency and habits. Our brain also thrives on not wanting to change those habits or behaviors. It can be so mentally taxing, and I don't think people in general give enough credit to our brains' response to change.  

Tim S. Grover wrote “The fact is you can't train your body - or excel at anything - before you train your brain. You can’t commit to excellence until your mind is ready to take you there. Teach the mind to train the body”. 

I recently read about a guy who was in a construction accident that resulted in him losing one of his arms. He was working to be a pro rugby player at the time. The incident threw him into a tailspin that resulted in a lot of unhealthy choices. I would imagine many people would go through if they experienced that kind of trauma and life change. After a bit of time, his brain would not allow him to settle into these new behaviors. He began to find ways to train and work his way back with the goal of playing rugby again. He found a way to challenge himself. He would say I am going to work at this for thirty days, if I don't see progress, I will do something else. The 30-day commitment was his only focus: His one thing. In rugby he had to learn to tackle. As time went on, he actually used his missing arm side as a bludgeoning tool. This is where the brain is amazing, He spent his whole life to this point with two arms/hands. But he needed to train his brain to work and function with one arm. In the medical realm they call this kind of change Neuroplasticity. The brain's ability to basically make do with what your physical tools are (very basic definition). He had one arm, and he needed to teach himself through repetition that he could make use of what little remaining arm he had. Later in his life he came across wanting to train for triathlons. He had to learn to swim with 1 arm, and he used his 30-day method to train his body to adjust. Starting at 50 yards and then 100 yards…… each week swimming further and further. He would go on to compete and finish an Ironman race. For those that don’t know, the Ironman race requires a 2.4 mile swim. He also became a prominent competitor in the work world of skiing, competing in Special Olympic events, and coaching other amputee victims in the sport. 

Before he lost his arm, he had built up a mental fortitude that even after losing himself for a bit, he was able to go back to what he knew about himself. He had a successful career and an inspirational story of mental strength and perseverance through life's unpredictable moments. 

When my dad passed away, I was not ready for that. I was on a journey in my fitness that looking back was shallow and immature. What I mean by that is, I was focusing on how I could look better. I was focused on getting a six pack and building croissants (triceps) and potatoes (biceps). My focus was on the external benefits. What I had to learn was the external benefits will come with time and consistency. More importantly, it’s the internal (mental) that should be the focus. For example, when I wake in the morning my brain goes through a whole poem of sayings that I have to fight against. 

Hit the snooze for a minute if you have time. 

Why am I doing this

You can skip today it won't hurt

Ugh, my body is so sore and tired

And on and on the list goes in the battle of the mind. So, what do you say to yourself in those moments? Because it is these moments that a person builds foundations of consistency and perseverance. 

Next week let's talk about the battle and ways I have combated these mind-numbing negative thoughts.