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Setting the Bar Low!

Hello Friends!

Yes, you read that right!  In my experience, sometimes setting the bar too high is enough to deter you from even getting started.  My example involves exercise (of course) but apply this to your own situation.

I knew I had to get a workout in today (I'm in training---more about that in a future post) my program calls for High Intensity Cardio Intervals on this day.  They are just that...intense and require repeated bursts of energy, of which I had none this morning.  (busy week)

I chose to do the Rutland Stairs.  115 steps, extremely steep and always guarantee a good burn!  It's about a 20 minute drive from my house. As soon as I was behind the wheel, I started making deals with myself.  I will just do eight repeats...that's a great workout...especially on a day when I have no desire to do it.  (I usually do 15 repeats)

I arrived and got started...taking as little time as possible between sets I quickly found myself at six...I can do 10 I told myself...by that time I had already decided to push for 12...next 15...then 18 and I ended up doing 20 repeats.  I've never done 20 before!

My point?  If I had set out to do 20 sets from the get-go...I probably wouldn't have even left my house.  I set the bar low and then well exceeded it. Now, instead of feeling like a 'slacker' I feel like a champ! (I also told myself I could come home and relax after doing eight sets...but after doing 20 I came home and cleaned the house!)

I'm not saying to limit your goals...(my larger goal is quite lofty)...but on the day to day road to achieving them I recommend you cut yourself some slack every once in a while...who knows what you'll achieve! 

Try it...let me know how it works out!

Toby

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