Dooley Noted: 7/17/2015
I don’t like to train away from Catalyst SPORT.
At CS, we created an environment of motivation to achieve the movement trifecta of mobility, stability, and strength.
I am surrounded daily by people who remind me of where I need to improve. It’s the most motivating and satisfying environment I have ever experienced.
But today,. I am out of town.
So, I trained at a commercial gym.
Not surrounded by my constant feedback culture, my workout seemed a bit dismal.
I walked into the locker room, feeling my pullups weren’t tight enough.
My deadlift didn’t have the speed from the floor like it would have if Jason Kapnick’s eyes were upon it.
I felt I could have done better. So for a few seconds, I felt I was never going to be strong.
I stepped toward that rabbit hole. Then the universe interfered.
As I walked to the shower, an elderly woman started talking to me.
Woman: “Well, you are certainly in great shape.”
Dooley: “Thank you for that.”
Woman: “How do you work out?”
Dooley: “Today was deadlifting, pushups, rows, pullups, and a drill called the Turkish Getup.”
Woman: “Wow! All I do is swim. I really should have started going to the gym years ago.”
Dooley: “But you are going now!”
Woman: “Well, maybe I would be strong like you!”
That conversation hit me like a slug to the chest.
I had not being taking the time to look back at how far I have come.
I was making progress. It may be slow, but progress is still progress.
One more pullup completed than last week? Progress.
Ten pounds added to a deadlift? Progress.
Two more seconds on a hardstyle plank? Progress.
Less shoulder hike on a push-up? Progress.
If the process is the result, then the focus must be on slow progress.
And if one slowly progresses each day, the outcome after a month is substantial.
Add in a year of slow progress, and the results can be mind-blowing.
I am making a vow today to appreciate my slow progress.
And I must remember there is always someone at Catalyst SPORT or another gym that may be using my slow progress as motivation.
You can be frustrated by the lack of big, quick progress.
Or, you can take the slow progress each day for a huge cumulative result.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley