Just do something
Some effort is better than no effort. That’s the philosophy I’m embracing at the moment when it comes to exercise. For some reason, I’ve fallen off the exercise bandwagon, despite the fact that I’ve put on a few pounds and so am reminded of the need to exercise on a very regular basis.
I think the monster known as perfectionism has reared its head in this instance. I was sort of getting tired of my Wii Fit Plus
So then I started thinking about joining a gym and started doing a little research on that. No problem there, except that I had stopped exercising as I sought just the right exercise for me. Part of that was because I’ve been so busy. But mostly I was being lazy. And I fell out of my routine, so I would actually forget.
Yesterday I decided to embrace the “Just do something” philosophy. I don’t have to have a perfectly amazing workout. I just have to do something. Because moving my body a little is better than not moving it at all.
This applies to other aspects of life, of course. I’m going to embrace the “do something” philosophy when it comes to my genealogy research, which had gone dormant for way too long. But I’ve gotten started again and want to try to do just a little on a regular basis (several times a week) rather than wait until that block of time that never comes.
Yesterday after my “just do something” epiphany, I advised a client who is trying to work through a paper backlog to set a goal of working on the backlog 30 minutes a day. Then I interjected my new philosophy by suggesting that even if he doesn’t have 30 minutes to work on it he should do it for 10, or even five. Keeping that momentum of daily activity going will help him create the habit and get past the barrier to getting started.
Last night was the moment of truth when it came to my exercising. While I was waiting for dinner to finish cooking, I remembered to exercise. (Remembering was an achievement unto itself.) I decided to ease my way in. I did just two dances on Just Dance 2 and nothing else. (In case you’re wondering, the two dances were to Crazy in Love and Proud Mary. Love those.) Tonight, maybe I’ll do something more strenuous. Or maybe not. It’s okay as long as I do something.
Tagged with: exercise, habits, routines
Comments
So useful your advice – especially when it’s so hard for all of us to get BACK to exercise (or something else). Just do something sounds easy. And the researchers do say that it doesn’t take much, on a weekly basis, to keep our health strong, so there!! Great post with one super useful tip!
Sue West January 12, 2012 05:38 AM
Thanks for your comments, Janet and Sue! My “just do something” mentality has helped me stay with exercise since New Year’s Day (after a little December backsliding). Giving myself credit for a little bit of effort goes a long way.
Janine Adams January 13, 2012 02:36 PM
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Excellent advice! In the summer, I enjoy taking hour-long walks in the morning, but in the winter, it’s too cold to stay out that long, so I have tended to avoid winter walks. Last winter, I started taking half-hour walks – sure, it’s only half the exercise, but it’s WAY better than none at all!
(Of course, now that I have a dog, I’m taking LOTS of half-hour walks, no matter how cold it gets!)
Janet Barclay January 5, 2012 10:58 AM