Stay-tuned for my answer and some advice on that question. But first:
It was a big week for BFF. We got started on our after-school classes at Harvey and Mills and our PE class at Educational Harbor - and had a lot of fun for a very first get-togethers! A big part of the fun for me is to meet new participants and "size them up" not just on their fitness/development levels but also their enthusiasm for fitness levels. Time after time I see a spectrum of categories from SUPER enthused to interested but reserved to hesitant but willing. Just like adults, kids come at their fitness in varying degrees of excitement. And just like with adults, I relish the opportunity to meet them where they are and help them advance to where they want to be.
I am happy to say this first week I saw a heavy dose of enthusiasm from every single child I just met or had the honor of welcoming back from a previous school year. They were full of energy and excitement, asked for and followed direction, and listened to my very first guideline of the class:
TRY EVERYTHING
And every one of them did!
Let's all take a lesson from them. They have a lot to teach us. Including being a little less likely to over-think things...JUST TRY!
...So, are you over-complicating it?
If you are like me, the answer is: why yes, I often am overcomplicating it! And then I would look at you suspiciously and wonder what you've noticed to make you ask. I have also historically been indecisive, which has led to plenty of frustration in my life...and I mostly mean for other people. I have worked on both for years and I have been so much better as time has passed. Maybe it's also the wisdom that comes with age?
Humans tend to over-think/over-complicate things. There is even a name for this: "complexity bias.
Complexity bias is when you decide to change something, and then start thinking about additional things you can change to attempt to make those positive results stretch EVEN FARTHER. So you start layering in new changes or extra steps to add “umph” to your results. Have you ever done this? I know I catch myself sometimes.
Here’s an example:
The simple way: I’m going to work out 4 days per week for the next 4 weeks
versus
The complex way: I’m going to do intermittent fasting, do strength training after work, change up my calorie intake, start meditating, drink more water, and only eat with my left hand.
Just kidding on the last one, but you get the idea.
If we have to choose between the simple, or the more complex, people will often choose the complex side. The problem with that is it can be REALLY hard to keep up with over time. Complex choices aren’t inherently BAD, especially if they make you feel more accomplished or if you’re training for a big event. But if they make you stressed, overwhelmed, or ruin your consistency, then get SIMPLE.
Focus on the thing(s) that work for you...and simplify.
Here are some ideas:
Choose the simplest actions that will get the best results,
Make sure those actions work with your lifestyle & schedule,
Include activities and/or food you enjoy, and
Consider working with an expert to keep you focused & accountable, and
Who also has programs for PROVEN RESULTS.
The most important thing is that you choose actions that help you stay CONSISTENT!
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