Constructs of Adherence

In August of this year I had the opportunity to attend an event where some of the bigger names in powerlifting and nutrition were hosting a jam-packed one day summit.  This blog is long overdue for some of you out there, and it may be just the thing you need to read at this point in your journey toward whatever it is you are trying to achieve.  Again, I believe the universe gives clues as to when that "right place ,right time" energy is due in one's life.

This particular conversation about adherence was given by Dr. Mike Israetel of Renaissance Periodization, and is specific to nutrition and training. However, it can be altered to most goals you set for yourself.  The first thing you need to remember is that adhering, which is the commitment to a person, cause, or belief, is multi-layered.  There is a timeline,  and it reveals itself at very specific moments along that chronology.

1. Inspiration

This is your "WOW" moment.  That kick in the butt to get you started.  Inspiration can be either positive or negative.  You may have seen a picture of yourself and thought, "I don't look very healthy, and I need to change", or you saw a movie with some excellent dance moves and you were immediately inspired to look up local dance studios. Either way, it got you moving in a different direction than the path you were currently on.

The downfall of inspiration?  It is so short lived.  Inspiration is literally that JOLT that stirs you to move, and it can die in as little as 24 hours.  How can you help inspire yourself and others?  First, be a leader by setting the example.  Second, don't humiliate someone or down play a goal they may have.  It is not your place to drag others down because of an insecurity you may have about the other persons intent.  Third, educate yourself on the risks of not pursuing this purpose.  Specifically, diet and training.   Finally,  research other people's success with this similar goal and make sure these stories are realistic and parallel to the goals you set for yourself.

Photo by Riccardo Annandale on Unsplash

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

2. Motivation

Motivation is the desire to do something about your goal.  This is where movement happens, and it can last as little as a few days, to as long as a few weeks.  Motivation has many highs and lows, so it is very important that you write specific goals down at this stage.  When writing your goals, remember to be S.M.A.R.T.

S-specific
M-measurable
A-attainable
R- realistic
T- timely

My business page contains a goal sheet at the end of an extensive questionnaire that allows me to really see how serious new clients are about their goals.  I am a big believer that the more depth and texture you give your goals, the more realistic and reachable they become.

3. Intention

If motivation is a feeling, then intention is a commitment.  The word goal is a noun, and can become flat without given intent.  To do something with intent gives that goal more gusto.  More oompf.  Intention fills in those adherence gaps when motivation gets low, and motivation will get low.  If you think everyone is incredibly motivated all of the time then you are only observing their highlight reel.  It is exhausting to be motivated 24/7, and it is unrealistic for many, if not most, people.  Your lows need to be embraced, and you need to call on intention to push you over that hump.  This is why writing down very specific goals is important.  They serve as reminders as to why you started this journey.  But goals alone aren't enough.  You need a game plan, because the world will not replay itself the same way, day in and day out.  Learning how to roll with the waves and applying back up plans to rougher days is how you stay strong even in your weakest moments.

Photo by Hello I'm Nik on Unsplash

These are the steps that everyone goes through.  Next week we will uncover steps 4-6.  These are our destination steps, and as intention and motivation wanes, steps 4-6 become harder and harder to reach.  But it's doable.  I suggest for this week you think of things that have inspired you, motivated you, and what intent you put behind those goals.  Think back to the precise moment you stopped adhering to your purpose, and why you gave up.  If you didn't give up, how long did it take you to start again?  

I look forward to sharing steps discipline, habit, and passion with you all.

Until then, cheers!