The Power of an Out of Reach Challenge

MidLifer Chronicles 7

MidLifer Chronicles - Setting an 'Out of Reach' Challenge

If you are following me on Instagram or connected on Facebook, you will have seen my posts relating to the qualifying rounds of the Northern Championships - a regional CrossFit competition. Over the last few weeks, with Mark Telford (whom you may remember from previous podcast episodes), we have completed three 'Workout's' (Or WOD's), in a bid to get through to the Rainton Arena finals in 2023.

Mark, knowing my 'Operation DeMoob' efforts (see previous chronicles), suggested we partner up and give it a go. I agreed, although not without a lot of trepidation. Who am I to think I could, etc - so went my own 'self-cabotage.'

Having now completed the three workouts (if you are really interested check them out on my Insta page), I realised that not only did I enjoy the challenge, but I learned loads AND my confidence in my abilities in CrossFit has jumped a level.

This got me thinking.

Big Challenges and Small Habits

I am all about the power of the sprout. The incremental and the consistent sweating of those sprout-sized habits. And I am a huge believer that this is where real, consistent, sustainable improvements can be achieved.

But, that doesn't mean we can't set ourselves a challenge here and there. Something that seems just out of reach.

So, I have been thinking, what's the difference between a challenge that is not only out of reach but can lead to us abandoning our sprout-sweating foundational work in a bid to achieve it, versus one that pushes us that little bit more and can accelerate the sprout-sweating and the results?

I have set myself goals in the past which have failed to catch or have caused me anxiety, sleepless nights and guilt. 'I'm not doling enough,' 'I won't make it,' 'I'll make a fool of myself,' were common thoughts. Indeed they arise with any challenge for me but the difference seems to be scale of the goal. I have an ambition to run the Marathon Des Sables, a multi-day ultra-marathon held in the Sahara Desert, Southern Morocco. And that just seems way to big for me.

What's the difference?

I think it goes back to my coaching approach (and one I use on myself). By all means have a big vision - something to aspire to, something that matters - really matters, and can provide a direction of travel. But, come back to some near-term achievable goals. The Marathon Des Sables feels unachievable mainly because I am not even running more than 5 miles at the moment. I need something smaller that can move me in that direction. Something that builds my confidence, my self-belief AND my ability. And, given my age, will test out the knees to see if they would be up to it too.

The CrossFit qualifiers have proved to be a near-term goal. And although it felt out of reach, it comprised of things I have done - burpees over the box, thrusters (don't ask!), rowing, etc. I just had to push myself in a limited number of ways - heavier weights, and time pressure. Oh, and not wanting to let Mark down. Which brings me to a big part of any goal setting or indeed choosing to do anything health or life related.

The Importance of Support

Support.

Not only did Mark put me on the spot to sign-up, but I knew he would have my back and be supportive all the way. Indeed he carried me on a number of the exercises within the workouts. And that was ok. He's way fitter, younger and more experienced. He knew he was supporting me in this endeavour and wasn't adding in a pressure to win. We did it for the challenge, the experience and the fun.

So, overall, I reckon we won't qualify through to the finals, but it has been a valuable experience on so many levels. And it has reinforced the value of short-term challenging goals, and the motivation and accountability it brings.

I am going to look to add in one or two more of these over the next 6-12 months and see how they play into my bigger goal (Operation DeMoob) and my vision - to be fitter at 66 than I was at 45 when Rosie was born.

After last week's chronicles in which I found myself reflecting on the impact of juggling lots of demands and trying to cram health into my already busy schedule, I will need to take care not to overload the system (me) again, so this will need some consideration. Nevertheless, the value of having such challenges in my life outweigh the downsides.

So, my question to you is this. Is there a challenge you can set yourself that could help frame your current (and 2023 New Year Resolution) health and weight loss ambitions? Consider the stretch factor (just out of reach rather than massively so) and let me know what it is - dave@restlessmidlifer.com

You can do this. Sweat the right sprout-sized habits, rituals and routines and improve your health for midlife and beyond!

Find Out More

In the meantime, check out the podcast to check out the episodes and if you want to learn more about the support I offer in relation to helping you achieve your health and weight loss goals sustainably, visit the Academy or learn more about my more intensive Re-Shape Accelerator programmes, designed to help you to get your health back on track and establish lifelong habits for a more fulfilling midlife.

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Dave

Dave Algeo, Restless Mid-Lifer
'It is never too late to get life back on your terms and have even bigger adventures!'
dave@restlessmidlifer.com

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