The year before my second Olympics, my coach put together a training log for me that included a lot of aerobic work such as step classes, running and biking. I was an aerial skier, so coming from a sport where a "run" lasted three seconds and had nothing to do with aerobics, I thought the suggestions seemed silly. So if I was running low on time, I would do some extra weight lifting and ignore the aerobic workouts.
As I look back, it seems absurd that I didn't ask the coach why he'd added cardio training to my regimen. It turns out that the aerobic training would help me keep up my stamina throughout the entire season, so I wouldn't fade on tour and have my results drop off midseason. Luckily, I did ask that question eventually, increased my cardio... and didn't fade before I got to February 18, 1998, the day of the Olympic finals.
We are often so focused on finding answers that we forget to keep asking questions. We need to explore the unknown in order to further our learning. People are sometimes afraid of questions that don't have concrete answers, or answers that may be hard to discover. Kids have it right, constantly asking "why?"
Think up questions that you don't have the answer to. Become a kid again this week and ask people "why?" rather than just accepting their statements. Don't allow your fears of looking stupid hold you back from learning more. You may find out more on the subject or you may even find out that there really is no sound reasoning to their response.
Motivational Tips and Tools
As an Olympian, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and Biggest Loser motivational expert, I'm often asked for ideas, quotes and activities to help people achieve their goals. I like to end all of my blogs with short tips and tools that are driven from actual advice I've shared.
This week's tip:
Celebrate your milestones! By rewarding ourselves for overcoming challenges and reaching short-term goals, we are more likely to stick with an objective and not give up when faced with adversities.