Well, it sure has been a while since I’ve posted anything! It happens. I’m hoping to be able to pop in here 1-2x per week going forward. I have a lot to share and in addition to being a resource, I like to have an outlet to write in!
(heyyyy! still flexin’ my life away)
Taking On Too Much
Something that I’ve been doing lately (besides working out of course ;-)) involves a whole crap-ton of introspection. Looking in to all that encompasses ME and figuring out what pieces are essential, and what pieces are just taking up space. (I sound so yoga-y, but I promise I’m not all meditative-hippie-sage burning….not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I’m just not even close haha)
While I’m generally a happy person, I’ve found that I also take on things that are there for no other reason then, THEY ARE THERE.
This can be good at times, but can also leave me really overwhelmed. It becomes a vicious cycle that looks a bit like this:
-Take on too many projects
-Not able to fulfill all projects (so someone gets delayed, cancelled, etc)
-I feel guilty because I’m not fulfilling all of everyone else’s needs
-I simultaneously feel that I am not fulfilling MY OWN needs because I’m busy trying to fill everyone else’s.
Does that sound familiar to anyone else? I know I’m not the only one, I’m just not sure it’s talked about much.
(yup, still flexing)
I’m beyond blessed to be given so many great opportunities. I’m currently training clients at 2 gyms, teaching classes at 3 gyms, training myself, training my online clients (you can go here for more info about it), and working full-time doing sales/marketing/admin/everything-in-between for my main job. Did I mention I’m also studying for my CSCS? On top of that, I have two different companies that have approached me in the last week to help them with their own email marketing. Once again…GREAT opportunities and I’m not complaining about that…but I am definitely in a predicament of sorts.
It leaves me with VERY little time to rest. The time I do have to rest, I end up trying to spend doing fun things because I don’t want to miss out on doing fun things just because I’m busy.
(like wakeboarding and hiking!!!! no way i’m missing out on that!)
Do you see how this isn’t at all sustainable in the long-term?
But the question becomes, what do I give up? What is most important to keep?
I think this is something that everyone goes through at some point in their lives (and likely, multiple times), but it’s been very present for me lately and I am determined to truly figure out what I WANT and not just do things because others want me to do them.
I attended the Fitness Summit at the end of April in Kansas City (you can see my full review HERE), and I remember Alan Aragon making a comment about this very thing. He said that at some point, you’re going to have to learn to say no. To turn down opportunities, and to only go after the things that will be the most fulfilling.
(Alan is the man! you are too Bret! ;-))
It’s a HARD thing to do when you actually like 90% of everything that you do.
Who do I say no to? Who do I turn down?
I’m still not sure what that answer is, but I risk a 2nd burnout if I don’t figure it out soon. (I had a similar burnout 2 years ago).
Unfortunately, I don’t have all of the answers just yet. And you may not either if this is something you relate to, but I think it’s still important to talk about it. To bring up the issue and connect with others who are in similar situations.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat! (email: [email protected])
Workouts
Ah, the very thing that started this blog in 2008!!! Yep, it’s been 8 years that I’ve had this dang thing. It’s had plenty of time where nothing was being posted, but it is still a very important blog to me and has YEARS worth of content. Old posts actually embarrass me, but I figure that it highlights a certain time in my life so WHATEVS, I won’t delete them.
In training news, I’ve been continuing to train as a powerlifter with the addition of some other exercises that I incorporate because I like them such as box jumps, various bodybuilding movements, and extra glute work (duh).
Yesterday’s workout was:
Hip Thrusts
275×13, 305×10, 135 + knee band x 5-5-5-5 (5 reps + 5 second hold x 4)
Back Squats
165 x alt. 1, 2 reps for 10 sets
Deadlifts
175 x alt 2, 3 reps for 10 sets
KB Swings
70 x alt 10, 12 reps for 10 sets
This KICKED MY ASS. Not every day is this crazy, but this is just how it went down yesterday. Today I took it easier and did chin ups, deficit reverse lunges, and single leg leg press. Once upon a time (like up until 6 months ago), I used to try to go balls to the wall EVERY DAY. I’ve since gotten better at balancing the super hard days with less intense onces. Only took me like 8 years haha. (“FINALLY!!!” said every coach I’ve ever had).
Speaking of that……this August marks 10 YEARS since I started working out. To some, that may seem like nothing, but it is a big milestone for me. I’ve been through SO MUCH in those 10 years and I fully plan to put out a picture-filled post that highlights the ups and downs and everything in between in the last 10 years.
That’s all I’ve got for today. I’ll be popping in again soon.
Keep up the training!
-Lizzy
