The Power of Routine (and the discipline to stick to it)
20 years ago when I started to compete in the sport of Bobsled, I had no choices. When I lived at the Olympic Training Center, the choices were made for me. What time I ate breakfast, what time I got driven to the track for the sprinting workouts, when I strength trained. Breakfast, lunch, dinner – everything was on a schedule. This was “my routine.”
Fast forward 20 years, and I have to say that the power of that routine way back in the day is what has helped me stay disciplined and consistent to stick with my current routine.
Everything back then was so monotonous, so structured and scheduled. Even when I “didn’t feel like it” I still did the thing because that is just “what you do.” The power of routine and the power of my peers (or having a support network) pushing me to do the boring work is what pushed me to move forward and improve in that sport.
Recently, we had the privilege and opportunity to train an up-and-coming bobsledder here at Epic Fitness, and these 2 things – the power of routine and a support network really lit a fire on my own personal routine.
What it turned into was me doing a version of the “Bobsled Combine Prep” program (for fun, of course) and meeting our athlete on the track for multiple sprint and track sessions over the past 8 weeks. The cumulative effects of having him expecting me to be there, and the power of me showing up not only for him – but for me as well – was transformational in me sticking to a new routine.
So, what the heck does this have to do with you? Well, pretty much everything! I know from first hand seeing it over the past 18+ years training people from Olympians to soccer moms, and everyone in between – the difference between those that start a fitness routine and stop, and someone that continues it for the long haul depend on 3 key factors:
- Sticking with a routine – Having set days and times that you have prematurely blocked on your schedule where you know that time is non-negotiable for you, and only you.
- Accountability (with someone else) – Knowing that when you wake up at 5:15 am, you have a coach, or a friend or family member you know that will be there at 6 am waiting just for you – this is a very powerful force.
- Discipline – Having the discipline to stick to doing the “boring work.” You know why almost 70% of the US population is struggling with being overweight and obese? It is literally THIS. Sticking to the boring work and knowing there is no secret or shortcut is one of the hardest things to come to terms with. Drinking enough water, getting enough protein, vegetables, fiber, and steps each day will account for about 95% of the results you see. Why do people not do it then? Because it is not sexy enough, and it is too boring!
Looking for a way to enhance your routine, accountability and discipline. Book a no commitment discovery call HERE to see if Epic Fitness could be a good fit for you!