Now I know why I could never keep a running routine!
Already in my teens, I tried to create a running routine for myself.
I started to run 2-3k around some fields close to where we lived, and managed to do it a couple of times before I fell out.
But I kept trying all through life, you know – everyone runs, and my Gen-X brain kept telling me that cardio is the only way to really work out, because that’s what I’m conditioned to believe. So I should run too. I really should. My brain said.
However, to this day I don’t have a running routine, but now I know WHY I never managed to keep it.
It’s because I always identified as a non-runner, someone who can’t run long distances.
I’ve always told myself (and others for that matter) that I love to – and I’m good at – running short and fast.
I’m like that cartoon that runs and you can’t see the legs and a cloud of dust is forming behind me.
But I can’t run long distances. Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself, and what I made myself believe.
Meaning: I created a non-runner-identity for myself.
So what I want to tell you with this story is that the reason you keep failing at something, whether that be keeping a consistent workout routine, eating healthy or sleeping well at night – when you IDENTIFY as something that is in opposition to what you try to do – you will not succeed.
For example, you want to have a consistent yoga routine, but you keep telling yourself ”I’m not flexible, I’ve never been flexible, I will never get flexible” -well, does that sound like a great start for getting flexible?
No, I didn’t think so.
When you shift your identity to what you who you want to be – then you will succeed with whatever you put your mind to.
Step 1: Identify your identity around the goal you’ve set for yourself. What do you keep telling yourself? What is that voice in your head saying? Write this down. I bet you’ll be surprised when you see your “opinion” of yourself around the topic.
Step 2: Rewrite your story. Now it’s time to write down your new identity. The story of your new voice.
”I am a runner”, ”I love running”, ”Running gives me energy” ” I feel alive when I run””I can’t wait to get my running shoes on” “I used to love to run, I’m bringing that back now”
Remember, there is nothing more powerful than your thoughts and your mind!
