How To Not Suck At Resolutions Pt. II: "Try One Percent Harder than your Last _____"
There comes this time around October/ November where we get an idea for the new year in our heads. Then in late December, usually between Christmas and New Year's, where we become fixated on a dozen different things related to the original thought. Then January one comes, you have thoughts written out and all the motivation in the world. I see it every year, someone comes into my class in new gear, workout kicks in pristine condition and usually is sitting in a regular rider's "bike."
After I ask if they need help getting started or if they are just getting into riding I'll hear, "I used to (fill in the blank)." I've had former D-1 football players, long-distance runners months removed from knee surgery and folks who have been out of the gym for years. I'll go through my quick tutorial and end with, "Do not try to keep up with me, do what you can handle today. You'll get to where you want to be." More times than not, I'll see them for two, three classes and never again. Here's where my first rule comes into play:
Try one percent harder than your last ride. Imagine you're about to run a marathon and at the sound of the gun, you start sprinting. You'll be gassed by the first mile...if you make it that far. Too often we attempt something with all our energy, only to fade fast. It's in our nature. We live in a show me instant results day and age.
Instead of going balls to the wall, imagine your progress like a building block. "If I get to this point today and just slightly passed it tomorrow I'll get to my goal." If you've never ridden before, you take the first class to see where you're at and the next class to get just past that, a third class just to understand the levels of resistance you can handle. The progress will come with small increases and without killing yourself.
One thing I tell people getting into riding or lifting (although historically inaccurate) "Rome wasn't built in a day...but sure fell fast." I can think of a dozen and a half women through the years who have taken my class leading up to their weddings. The beginning of the year comes and the wedding is five months out. They cut their calories to an unhealthy level, while going from low to moderate levels of working out straight into two or three-hour sessions in the gym. Then soon after become sick, injured or discouraged beyond belief.
These are just a couple of examples of how we can exhaust ourselves fast when we set ambitious goals and expect fast outcomes. Slowly building off yesterday's progress and then on to today's will get you to your goal. This is true even outside of the gym. This mentality stands true for professional goals, spiritual and beyond, just try one percent harder than your last ________. Which brings me to my second rule: Don't leave this room wishing you went harder.