In my last email I talked a lot about Different. I capitalized the word to give it a proper name and a title of sorts to start viewing Different differently.
I also shared that I am personally embracing Different as I reenter the world socially and professionally. And I’ll admit, I don’t always know exactly what it is I’m moving toward or even exactly what it is I’m building, but I know that when I start feeling stuck, it’s time to embrace Different. In service of growth, expansion, and evolution.
So something that is really cool about us human beings is that we are highly adaptable. Yes, even those of us who are type-A, controlling, high achieving maniacs. We are highly adaptable. It’s a superpower AND kryptonite. Because we eventually adapt and moralize to any environment. Any circumstance. ANY situation.
Our muscles do this every time we work out. We lift the heavy weight, run the longer distance or higher pace, we stretch the springs and our muscles a little longer before controlling the rebound.
And in time, those challenges are no longer challenging. So we either plateau and hang out or we see the plateau and level up.
We lift heavier weights, run longer faster, and we stretch further while controlling deeper.
I want to talk a little bit more about the plateau because some really cool stuff can happen there if you’re looking. The plateau is a very close relative of The Discomfort Zone (learn more about that in THIS PODCAST EPISODE!) which if you’ve been here a while you know I am obsessed with once I’m out of it. HATE going through it. Yet, it’s unavoidable.
You also can’t avoid plateauing. It’s part of progression. It’s your signal to move forward. It’s like the end of a level of mario brothers where mario jumps into the square thing and then a cascade of celebratory things happen. I don’t really remember the details as it’s been a LONG time since i played Mario and Everett doesn’t know about video games yet.
Something I’m not great at doing is reaching the plateau and celebrating. I think we should celebrate this achievement. Because we work hard to get there.
It’s a big deal to realize your now repping 20lb weights like it ain’t no thang!
It’s a big deal to run for an hour or more at a faster pace than you used to!
It’s a BIG deal to hit the wheels on the long stretch and control the carriage ALL the way back into the footbar!
I’m really good at “Great! Now let’s make it harder!!!” I’m good at focusing my eyes on the next challenge. ← superpower
There’s a metaphor here, duh. If we just keep plowing ahead and don’t take a moment to acknowledge, take inventory, and make an informed plan of action, we are losing efficiency and efficacy. ← kryptonite
Ummm…I don’t have time for that. Do you?! I know you don’t!
I’m not here to screw around. I’ve got things to do! ← though sometimes the thing I need to do IS screw around, but whatever!
If you just keep upping weights you’ll end up tearing something.
If you just keep running harder and faster your going to end up with overuse injuries (hello tendonitis, bone spurs, and so much more)
If you never go back and ENJOY short spine massage, what was the point of doing all of the work to lift your booty that far off the ground?!?!?!?!
For me, it’s a lot easier to keep my head down and just keep grinding. It’s indulgent to celebrate and luxuriate in what I've already accomplished. It also doesn’t get me anything, right? I did it. It’s done. Moving on.
That’s how I tend to operate and by typing that I realize how freaking SAD that is. Not only is it so sad , it robs me of this really fertile opportunity to take inventory of everything I have at my disposal now. Maybe it’;s a good time to continue amplifying certain strengths. Maybe it’s time to let certain leading characteristics take a break and work with something Different. Maybe some of it I don’t need anything and will make sure I never need again. I don’t know! And I won’t know if I don’t calm TF down and unpack the proverbial bag before repacking and facing the next challenge.
That’s valuable information and I would be a fool to move forward without it. A FOOL I tell you!
I mean, I feel this way about moving through the world and working out without integrating the foundation, the base, the most vital part of your core…you know it…your pelvic floor. But that’s for another day.
For today, I ask you, what have you already accomplished that you haven’t celebrated yet? Reply to this email and let me know!
As always, I’ve got your back. I’ve got your front. And I’ve got your undercarriage.
Xo, Alissa