Ignite your potential
It has been about 6 weeks since I started a home fitness program called P90X. I can already see the progress it has made for me physically, but it has also taught me some personal development tips as well.
Importance of routine and schedule
Whether it be with fitness or work-life, it is important to keep up a routine. P90x is set up so that you do one of exercise a day. Having a schedule and routine helps to commit and manage time more effectively.
Comeback
American speed skater J.R. Celski had a horrible accident 6 months prior to the Olympics. His blade cut into his thigh and he had to get 50 stitches. In the beginning doctors were not even sure whether he could walk or not. Through rigorous rehabilitation, he not only was able to walk, but once again returned to speed skating in the Olympics and won bronze in both the 1500m and 5000m relay.
Creativity
Shaun White, renown snowboarder once again gets gold in the half-pipe. He is creative with what he can do snowboarding, even debuting his new move, “back-to-back double cork.”
I always enjoy watching the Olympics. It is captivating to watch a variety of athletes competing both mentally and physically. Here are some athletes that have caught my eye and taught me about personal development.
Strategy and strength
Evan Lysacek, American figure skater won the gold, not by doing what is perceived to be the most difficult move (”the quad”), but by putting together a program that highlighted his strengths.
Courage through difficult times
Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette lost her mom days before the performance. It took tremendous strength for her to channel grief into a beautiful performance. She skated beautifully, connected with the fans, and skated amazingly for the memory of her mother.
Adaptability
One day the golf course may have no wind, while another day there may be 10 mph winds. Although it is the same course, players must be flexible and adapt to new conditions.
Process is longer and more exciting rather than the end result
It is important to value the process, rather than the result. Dr. Joe Parent, author of Zen golf, said that if you focus on each shot and the process, the result will come.
Ability to recover
Golf is a challenging sport. One small mistake can make your ball go into the worst places. Successful professional golfers are not perfect players. However, they are able to recover quickly. Life is all about making mistakes, learning from them, and recovering.
Practice
I saw many professional golfers practice the morning of the tournament. After four hours of playing competitive golf, they head right back to the practice grounds. Practicing does make perfect.
Proper nutrition
As with any athletes, proper nutrition is a must. I constantly saw the golfers hydrating themselves and taking in healthy nutrients (banana, protein bars). This allows them to sustain a high performance level.
Recently I had the opportunity to go to the Northern Trust Open held at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA. Here are five personal development tips that I witnessed at the tournament.
Good sportsmanship
Golf is a unique sport in that although you are individually competing against one another, you are also cheering each other on. It is really great to hear players commending other players on their great golf shots. Good sportsmanship can be applied to non-sports activities as well. At work or at home, working together, supporting each other, all are great values and can help you succeed.
Be realistic and patient
It takes time working through emotions and implementing new positive coping mechanisms.
Focus on the positives
Give yourself credit for positive things in your life.
Identify triggers
Find out what thoughts, feelings, situations influence your eating.
Have a strong support system
Have a network of people with positive coping strengths around you.
Talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor about positive eating habits and also medications that cause an increase in serotonin.
Self-Awareness Journal
Record what you are eating, when, and how you felt.
Find why you feel like eating and substitute more positive behaviors
Perhaps you feel like eating because you are bored. Look for positive hobbies to keep your attention. Art, singing, golfing, basketball, etc.
Identify what you feel
Are you feeling sad or stressed? What is the source of that. Is it your job? College? Find ways to deal with that stress effectively.
Life is not perfect
Worries are bound to come up and food will not resolve it. Accept that worries come up and do the best and move forward.
Have you noticed that when you are stressed your fingers move towards the sweet candy? How about a cup of coffee and a muffin? I know I am most vulnerable to overeating foods or foods that are unhealthy when I am stressed. Here are questions to ask when understanding your eating history. It is important to talk to a professional if you find that food is a way to make you feel better, especially if there is overeating, starvation, and vomiting involved.
Kinds, amounts, and frequency of food use.
Foggy memories or difficulty concentrating after eating too much.
Rely on your support system
A support system could consist of your therapist, physician, family members, friends, people of your church, co-workers, etc. It is important to surround yourself with positive people, as they can be a positive influence.
Humor
Laughter is the best medicine does have some truth. Laughter is a great stress reliever. Smiling a lot can also make someone feel better.
Good nutrition and adequate sleep
Caffeine can increase your anxiety. Balancing your diet with vegetables, proteins, vitamins can help you feel emotionally better. Also it is important to get adequate sleep every day. Lack of sleep can leave people feeling groggy, angry, and anxious.
