I've just recently decided to delete many of the fitness blogs that I follow. As much as I am passionate about fitness and training and want to learn more and keep up with the latest research and training philosophies, I've realized that there comes a point where it can become TOO mind-consuming and anxiety-producing. It's going to be hard not to want to read every post from every strength and conditioning or fitness expert I follow, but I really think that the anxiety I've been having for the last few months is due to reading so many blogs.
I am a perfectionist, and I want to do everything the right way and be the best at everything I do. Sometimes that can be a good thing, but it can also sometimes NOT be so good! I've come to the realization that reading so much has NOT been to my benefit but rather to my detriment, causing me to second-guess and doubt myself. What tends to happen for me is that I read something and I think, "I need to do that", then I read something else, and I'm like, "maybe I should do that". Sometimes a thought will get into my head and stick there and fester and nag at me. My mind becomes consumed with thoughts about training 24/7!
Of course, I want to continue learning and finding ways to improve as a trainer and also in my own training, but I have to learn to just trust in myself. I have to trust in what I know and have learned over the years. I can't let my doubts and insecurities consume me. It's almost at the point where it's making me not even enjoy what I do anymore. I stress about my training and if I'm training my clients the right way. And while I don't consider myself a fitness "expert" by any means, I have been doing this for a long time and have a lot of knowledge. Now I just have to have confidence in that and not be swayed by every little thing I read or hear! I have to remember that there is no "perfect" program. And that I can't be perfect.
Plus, I want to get my priorites straight. I am not giving God as much time as I give to reading fitness and training articles. I am not pursuing Him the way I am pursuing fitness on a daily basis. My faith is the most important thing in my life, but if my mind is constantly consumed with training stuff, I am not able to focus my thoughts on God; I'm not able to hear God's voice if my mind is crowded out by other things. I want my thoughts to be focused on what is going to make me a better person, on being a better witness and servant for Christ, since that is the true reason we are put here on this earth.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! -Isaiah 26:3
I can definitely relate, as you know! I feel like fitness consumes my life. Any free time I have, I spend catching up on fitness blogs. I've recently cut back on the number I follow (under 10 now!) and I try to spend more time doing things that make me happy such as yoga and reading books. I make sure I'm always learning, but I don't want to learn so much I start to second guess my own teaching approach.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am at that point now.
DeleteI was thinking the other day what I did before I read so many blogs and followed so many fitness people on facebook....I read! Instead of being on the computer, I read fiction books during my free time. And I don't remember having the worry and anxiety that I do now. I think I need to get back to that!
I totally understand. As a fitness novice I'm always so overwhelmed by all the info out there! Your blog is very informative and I enjoy following it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that means a lot. :) It can definitely be overwhelming and confusing. When it starts to cause stress, as it is for me right now, that is when you know it's just too much.
DeleteI did that recently with facebook. I hid the ticker thing at the top so I don't see what other people are commenting on etc. I realized I was spending way too much time reading about what other people were doing in their lives (trips, restaurant dinners etc) and I started to feel unhappy about my own life, which is such BS because I love my life & family. The comparisons weren't helping. So I created some interest lists...food, fitness, designing etc. and now when I log on, I check out those & have stopped "snooping" about what others are doing. Obviously close friends are going to stay in touch, I shouldn't have to rely on fb to keep me informed. And same here, spending way too much time on the computer & not reading like I used to.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea! I am defininetely going to get back to my reading. I may have to give myself a Facebook/blog time limit!
DeleteI really needed to hear this! Thank you for the reminder of priorities. Sometimes it seems like such a good thing to be so well informed, but it's also a hindrance and I need to understand my limits better. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU! There is nothing wrong with wanting to learn as much as you can...but when it is causing stress and anxiety, it is not worth it! It has reached that point for me, so I just have to take a break from it for a while!
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