“Keep going!! Don’t stop!! You can do it!! One more!!” This is what we constantly hear during the sweaty, high intensity, crazy energy, hour long kickboxing class. Drained in sweat, sky-rocketing heart beats, and no time to think. That is exactly what the instructors are trying to help us achieve – keep your mind occupied so it does not get into the dreadful thinking loop, otherwise the next thing you know is you are staring into space or finding excuses to quit! Or even worse when you get distracted, let your guard down and get punched in your face! Ouch! (Don’t worry that does not generally happen in my class)
The thinking loop: We often tend to compare ourselves to others, and punish or torture our minds and bodies if we are not able to match up to another so called super human. Let it be a fit muscular man who is able to do dead lifts with 100 pounds, or a skinny hot girl who can run 10 miles effortlessly without a strand of hair out of place! Ah, why can’t I be like him/her? Why can’t I do any more than 2 push-ups, when he can do 20 in one go? How does she manage to never miss a yoga class when I can barely drag myself out of bed? How is her tummy so flat? Where does all her food disappear? I put on 10 lbs even if I breather air. Look at my love handles! I am useless, I can’t do this anymore, I am not seeing any results so why even try. You complain and crib about everything that is wrong or not perfect in your eyes. Our mind often gets into this loop if you let it… So the idea is to STOP letting it go there. All that you are achieving by getting into the loop is pessimism, depression, and further damage.
Just concentrate on yourself, not others. Whether or not we realize, each individual has their own struggles in life and nothing comes easy to most of us. You have to work hard and be sincere in your efforts to achieve success. Instead of focusing your energy on jealousy or judging others, use it towards training to become your dream-self. Let it be trying to get more exercise, losing weight, learning a new skill, or even landing your dream job/role. Each time you find yourself getting into the self-criticism and comparison mode, distract yourself with positivity and confidence. Concentrate on what you are so good at and things you already have! Don’t be too harsh on yourself, every one is different. We all make mistakes, cause we are humans. Learn to forgive yourself, and that is the first step towards true bliss. Be happy in your own skin. You do not need to copy anyone else, you are special in your own way. Make your own life your way! Once you begin loving and appreciating yourself, you will automatically be more healthy, grounded, stable and at peace. You will find it easier to prioritize what is most important in your life, be able to achieve what you want, and even care for your loved ones more efficiently. Remember, you need to be healthy (both mentally and physically) before you can take care of others, and love yourself first to attract more love, positivity and well being.
Do your best each day, be consistent, love yourself!
Special thank you to my awesome instructors who help me achieve my best in each class!