For those on the outside looking in, CrossFit stirs up a quandary of emotions that are unintentionally expressed through words, expressions and body language. A daily conversation in the box with athletes goes something like this,"Hey Doc, I've been talking to a buddy of mine about coming in for a free session to give CrossFit a try. He seems curious but doesn't think he is in good enough shape for it." Or even better, "I've told a couple of my friends they need to try CrossFit but they all tell me there's no way they could do it."
Well, if you've had this or a similar conversation, let me just say, it happens to me almost daily. After having dozens of these encounters, I've come to understand the 2 main roadblocks for people stepping off the ledge and coming in to train.
1. FEAR. We live in a world that is predominantly driven by the pursuit of pleasure or the avoidance of pain. Think about the decisions you make on daily basis. What am I going to wear to work today? What am I going to eat for lunch? What car should I buy? What do I need from Target? What weight should I use for my deadlift? Simple questions we ask of ourselves are answered based on an emotional response driven by the need to fulfill our desire for pleasure (which can also be read as "approval") or by our need to avoid pain (which can be read as "disapproval or rejection"). These emotions are powerful motivators, which when not recognized or held in check, drive us to a life of mediocrity filled with "vanilla" experiences and little achievement.
2. EGO. A second motivator in decision making is the Ego, or better yet, the protection of or expression of, the Ego. Our Ego is equally as powerful as Fear in driving our life to mediocrity. Each of us knows our strengths and weaknesses. The vast majority of the population spends the greater part of their time and energy in areas of which they perceive themselves as being strong or proficient. A natural reaction for an Ego driven mind is to rationalize their way out of new or challenging circumstances and opportunities. Preservation of Ego is a detriment to growth in all aspects of life.
So here is a truth that I see played out everyday in the box: athletes who train using CrossFit methods have an uncanny ability to face fears and leave their ego at the door. I see this every time we introduce a new athlete to box jumps, rope climbs and cleans. You can read the emotion in their face and body language. You can see the turmoil and contention in their gut. You can "feel" the impending pain of potential failure. All of us in CrossFit have witnessed this and experienced it first hand.
The result of facing these fears and checking our ego? Confidence. Personal power. Strength. And then, somewhere along the way, a simple thought enters the mind..."I can do better." No longer are we satisfied with an 18" box jump, I want to get to 30". I have to get a pull up. Now, at this point, the mind is opened to possibility and in creeps a most contagious, powerful and overall life changing concept. The pursuit of excellence.
I can do better. I can be better. I can work harder. I can, I can, I can. Life on the other side of fear and ego preservation is filled with opportunity and possibility. The pursuit of excellence is more contagious than the common cold. When you surround yourself with like minded individuals that are consistently pushing and challenging for more and better, you become more and better. And isn't it ironic how "can't" leaves your vocabulary? And even more thrilling is how the pursuit of excellence leaches and flows into every other aspect of your life!
Our tag line of Reclaim Your Life is more than just 3 words. It's more than just wanting to look good, feel better and live healthy. It's a mission, a purpose, a rally cry for individuals to face the fears that are holding them back and beat down the Ego that leads them down the path of mediocrity. This is your life. You get one shot. Be excellent in all that you do in all areas of your life. Anything less is a waste of a life.
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