If you, like the majority of us, are struggling to get started in fitness, or sustain an exercise routine, chances are that at one time or another you've atrributed this to a lack of willpower. The tip off to this type of thinking is in that nefarious word "should." When we say to ourselves I "should" be working out, or eating better, or trying harder, the unspoken sentiment is one of failure, and, often, shame.
But perhaps the issue isn't one of willpower at all, but instead cultivating a different mindset. After more than 25 years in the fitness industry, I've come to realize that fostering a curious mindset can be more impactful than relying solely on willpower when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Willpower assumes a known universe, both outwardly and inwardly. But if you are starting any new process, then by definition, you do not know what will happen, or what your experience will be. The "just gut it out and start working out" attitude presupposes so many things about where you are, what you need, and most importantly, how you will change over time.
This narrow focus on end goals takes what could be a journey of discovery, and converts it into a relentless grind. And for most of us, life may already be grindy enough. So it's completely natural to resist taking on one more difficult thing.
Curiosity, however, not only makes us happier, it encourages us to appreciate the process. Explore different forms of exercise, ways to engage our bodies, and celebrate small victories along the way. Cultivating curiosity transforms your fitness journey into a dynamic and enjoyable expedition rather than a rigid race against time.