Just how bad am I at all of these things? Well...
Running - Did I have you fooled with my big 10k
race? For the simple fact that a 10k (6.2 miles) is not all that
"big" of a race, I'd guess no. However, this race, and running in
general, was a challenge for me. I've always been more of a sprinter (in every
aspect of life, really) and trying to adjust my pace for longer distances was
tricky. Also, my form still needs work, and it takes almost a frustrating
amount of time to find my groove. But I'm trying.
"Lauren, get that hip
down." I hear that
at least twice in every yoga class I take - usually when I think I'm doing a
really good job of dropping my hip, too. NOPE. From years of dancing, I have
quite an unruly turnout that needs to be reversed to do my favorite poses properly. My instructor will come place me in the correct position, and I swear
my heart rate doubles trying to keep myself there. But dammit, I'm trying.
"How do I calculate a
percentage?" Seriously, I had to ask one of my girlfriends
this question yesterday. I know there are easy ways to do it automatically on
my iPhone or online, but really I should KNOW how to do this. To say I've never
been good at math is an understatement. I've always been horrible at it. Not
for lack of trying, though. Extra credit and extra help were my saving graces.
I noted the percentage equation, so next time I can do it on my own. Seven
years after passing high school algebra by the skin of my teeth, and still, I'm
trying.
When I told my girlfriend that I was embarrassed that I didn't
know how to calculate percentage off the top of my head, she told me not to
feel bad. She admitted she sometimes confuses "passed" with
"past,” and that made me laugh and feel a little better. My girlfriend
made a great point in our discussion: "Everyone has different
strengths."
This is something that is blatantly obvious in our world, but not
so much appreciated. All too frequently we settle into the little things we're
good at doing and leave the things that are difficult to others who can do them
more easily. NOTE: I said we settle into the little
things we're good at doing. Many of us, myself included, have used our own
different strengths to conquer life-changing challenges. Yet, when it comes to
something small that we haven't improved upon so quickly as we'd like, we tend
to throw in the towel. Whether that’s a new type of workout or a new hobby or
skill, our excuses begin with, "I've never been good at it," or "I've never liked", and that
sets our tone. It's ironic that with all the tough stuff we overcome, we find
it easy to disregard the smaller challenges of doing something that has
remained difficult and unknown.
It's not always the case, but it should be the case a whole lot
less! We need to focus on embracing things we either don’t do, or simply don’t
do well. Conquering mini challenges (like the ones I listed above) can give you a
profound sense of satisfaction. It allows you to get into your own mind and to
surprise yourself. Everyone has his/her own strengths, and we embrace them. Everyone
has his/her own weaknesses as well, and they don't need to be buried behind
pride. The process of self-improvement is rewarding and should be
continuous.
Start doing the small things you don’t do well -in fitness, in your
relationships and in your job. Savor the satisfaction when you see and feel
improvement. Enjoy the ride and the process of self-improvement. It's neither always
easy nor always "fun," but it is interesting, rewarding and most of
all, "Too Fit."
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