\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I usually look forward to my training. My workouts are my time to focus and get out of my head. I enjoy the alone time and the chance to work toward goals that excite me. Whereas some people dread their workouts, my training sessions are usually the highlight of my day.<\/p>\n
But for some reason, all week, I\u2019ve caught myself trying to talk myself out of training. In fact, I haven\u2019t felt like doing much of anything at all. I haven\u2019t felt this unmotivated in a long time.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve tried all the tricks.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve pre-planned my workouts ahead of time so that I don\u2019t have to think or make decisions during my actual workout.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve started each workout slowly, not rushing into anything difficult right away. I\u2019ve given myself permission to work more on fun skills (for me, this means martial arts, handstands, and strength training) than to do hard things like sprints and pull-ups, and plyometrics. I\u2019ve shot hoops instead of going running; gone for a leisurely bike ride or swim instead of doing a structured HIIT workout. I\u2019ve aimed for maintenance over gains,\u00a0pretty good\u00a0over perfection.<\/p>\n
All week, I\u2019ve reminded myself of my long-term goals and my deeper \u201cwhy\u201d behind why I\u2019m training. A major one of these is my desire to keep learning and growing throughout my life and inspire others to do the same. Others include mood stability, brain health and optimization, long-term physical and mental health, and feeling like I\u2019m working toward my potential as an athlete and human being.<\/p>\n
Despite my attempts to trick myself into having a great workout, it just hasn\u2019t been happening this week. My body has felt heavy, my muscles tight. My mind, usually completely focused on my training, won\u2019t stop wandering no matter how many times I try to snap it back into focus.<\/p>\n
Of course, it\u2019s unrealistic to think we can\u00a0crush\u00a0every single workout. Sure, some days are going to feel amazing. On those days, if you\u2019re like me, you feel unstoppable, on top of the world.<\/p>\n
Other days are going to feel just mediocre. You may still be trying your best, but you know you could do better. You\u2019re nowhere near that feeling of being in the zone.<\/p>\n
And some days are going to feel actually\u00a0bad. You may feel clumsy and unfocused like I have all week. More than one bad day in a row may cause you to feel frustrated and stuck like you\u2019re going backward instead of making forward progress.<\/p>\n