22He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.22

Reflecting on our Why 💬

I am currently writing this to you during an Excessive Heat Warning in Philadelphia with temperatures expected to be in the upper 90s, with feels up to 114 degrees!  Eek!!!!  So why are we small talking weather?  Well, if you read my favorite quote from Nietzsche, “He/she that has a WHY to live for can bear any HOW”, it has me wondering if Nietzsche ever did any type of exercise in 114 degree weather?!    Even before our brains had time to process the forecast, it gave us a gazillion excuses to not go to the gym or do anything that involves leaving our air conditioned homes.  But, I have goals!

Earlier this week, I shared a Tip on our FaceBook page that I practice often as a form of self motivation and self reflection.  This Tip was an exercise I refer to as ….”But Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?”   I borrowed this idea from a technique for problem solving that I learned in a college course way back..way, way back, called The Five Why’s.  I had to pull this out of my tool box today and probably again over the next few days as “bearing the how” may prove a little more difficult!  So I figured you guys may need a little push to get those workouts in and stay the course too!

Take out a piece of paper or your journal!  YES!  I have some homework for you!  Write down your goal, just one for now!  It doesn’t have to be fitness related!  This exercise can apply to any type of goal!

MY GOAL:  Workout 3-5 Days a Week CONSISTENTLY

Next, ask yourself Why you want to (insert your goal)?

MY WHY:   I want to workout consistently to be healthy and strong.

Next, ask yourself Why you want to (insert the answer to last question)?

MY SECOND WHY:   I want to be healthy and strong so I can feel good and               energetic.

Next, ask yourself Why you want to (insert the answer to last question)?

MY THIRD WHY:  I want to feel good and energetic so I can be the best version of myself, as a mother, as a coach, as a friend, etc. etc.

Now, I can continue to dive deeper and deeper into my WHY and really analyze why I set out on this journey, no matter the temperature!  Taking myself to that place that made me want to begin a consistent workout schedule is just the little push to get myself into the gym on a day like today!  This exercise helps put me into that mindset that drove me to this decision way back when!  Sometimes it takes a little more than just remembering your Why!  Remember your why, why, why, why!!!!

If you give this a try, I’d love to hear how it helped you out (or didn’t)!  If it didn’t, you probably didn’t dive deep enough LOL

Before I end this blog post, and leave you to your self reflection, please know that I am NOT advising you to go out into 100 degree weather!  But if you do, Hydrate & rehydrate; sports drinks are great; wear light and loose fitted clothing and sunblock, of course; plan your workouts around the mid-day sun; know your fitness levels and pay attention to the signs.

OR pull out one of those bodyweight workouts & get it in at home:

  • For Time: 50 burpees
  • 5 rounds of: 10 push ups, 10 sit ups,10 air squats, 20 mountain climbers

Stay safe and stick to your goals, because we all have a why to live for!

Your Friend,
Jennifer