I have heard a lot of grumbling this week about “January Joiners”, people who show up at the gym for the first few weeks of the year as a result of well-intentioned resolutions.
I understand the annoyance. When you get up all year long at 5:30 – you’d like to find a free treadmill waiting for you. But, I believe that anything that encourages reflection and provides the motivation to build a life you’re happy to live is a blessing. Since I’m the type of person that derives great pleasure from crossing items off a to-do list, I tend to write a list of experiences/goals/achievements to push me forward throughout the year. The process always encourages me to think about new things I’d love to try.
Beyond setting resolutions and to-do lists, life is full of sources of motivation to try new things.
When friends ask for help it is easy to feel the push to stretch a little in order to meet their needs. Lindsayis developing a new ebook (aren’t you all a lucky bunch) and asked for recipe testers. I found it quite easy to get motivated to say “YES!” and make these incredible meals.
I haven’t cooked much with black eyed peas but Lindsay’s recipe for this spicy dish eased any apprehension (pictured above served on a bed of kale). Starting the new year with a meal of lentils or black eyed peas is believed to promote good fortune. I’ll happily eat beans and greens because I know they promote good health too.
Lindsay’svegetable marinara, a common recipe, calls for a unique combination of ingredients that resulted in the most deliciously, rich tomato sauce I have ever tasted. I’m glad I tried that new thing.
When you have guests to impress it is easier to think outside of your normal recipe routine. A slumber party with my niece pushed me to try a recipe I’d been eyeing for awhile on
OhSheGlows. Angela’s
“The Hummus That Changed Everything” is perfect. The texture and creaminess is just like the store-bought hummus that my family clamours for but her flavour combination is delicious without being too spicy for my niece’s six-year-old palate.
When your body feels strong and healthy it is the perfect time to introduce a new challenge. After three months of recovering from a running injury, I’m finally back on the road!
At the end of December, I had Force Dynamometry muscle testing done and found out that I’m strong and have no muscle imbalances. There are still some issues with my psoas but I have sequencing exercises to help me practice, practice, practice.
After reading about
Core Performance last year, my new found confidence in the strength of my body has pushed me to start a new training program. I’m really loving it. Each day I go through a different combination of power, flexibility, strength, endurance and recovery exercises. I am enjoying the holistic approach. The online training programs (they have a huge array by sport or fitness goal), provide a new routine each day – with a video of each activity that can also be downloaded to your iPod (as videos or text). Feeling stronger each day is keeping me motivated to push ahead. On Sunday I ran 10 kms. It was cold and windy but I was happy.
What pushes you to try new things? Do you have a list of things you want to do? If so, what tops the list?
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