Nattaproblem

In an attempt to fit the mold, many find themselves comparing their image to that of an athlete, magazine model, or reputable public figure.  This is unreasonable, and hopefully people realize that.  Fitness and exercise is a mindset, much like getting up in the morning to brush teeth or take a shower.  Research has shown that habits take approximately 2 weeks to form.  After the two week mark, it becomes steadily easier to commit to an activity or task.  Working out and exercise is no exception.

“Excellence is a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” -Plato

Ancient philosophers were visionaries that often remind the modern day person the true forms of thinking, and how to think period.  In addition to surviving in a civilization, philosophers take extra time to ask “why,” and “how.”  The scope of philosophy often stems from the behavioral analysis of psychological studies, but they can be applied to anything.

To those who are habitually active, fitness is something to look forward to.  It’s the time of day that helps eliminate the toxins from the day, and recharge the body’s cells.  When broken down, the term “fitness” translates to synonyms such as: strength, competence, aptitude, robustness, and vigor.  All these terms can be applied towards academics, industrial work and or any variation of goals.  When it comes to exercise, the term is often misconstrued to mean strictly: “shape.”

The media loves to perpetuate success as a model to be followed by “successful (aka “wealthy”) people.  Journalists interview said author, singer, and entrepreneur as if each person is going to wave a magic stick in front of the camera and allow their success to sprinkle over viewers at home.  Why this is so popular is confounding.  However, despite the preposterous ideas behind such interviews, one common thread exists between the ones I’ve seen. They all focus on one task, one idea, one passion.  Yes, there are hobbies but hobbies surround their work.  As a Renaissance man, discovering this was like being hit by a train, than waking up as a ghost to see the world from a completely different angle.  Curiosity literally killed the cat.

This point can also be made in looking closely at an acronym: S.M.A.R.T.   Fitness professionals and Academic scholars on the topic of habit collectively agree that focus is the key ingredient to accomplishing a goal, especially if that goal is to turn a behavior or activity into a habit.  Here is the acronym broken down in my words as it pertains to general fitness:

• S: SPECIFIC.  A clearly defined goal, with a detailed description of the desired outcome.
• M: Measurable: The goal has to be quantifiable.  There should be a way to measure each goal.
• A: Attainable: Baby steps should be implemented.  It’s okay to reach for the stars, but a goal should be as challenging as it is achievable.
• R: Realistic: Represent an objective that is clear and desired.  In other words, the person should be gwilling and capable of reaching the end-goal.
• T: Timely: There should be a specific date of completion.  This is why it is sometimes advised to break up the goal into chunks, because several chunks towards a whole is better than no “whole” at all.

There it is, smart isn’t it? Creating a habit begins with knowing exactly what it is in the first place.  For example, starting this blog several months ago has helped to keep a sense of accountability around each week that passes.  The human mind is just as powerful as it is enigmatic.  Sometimes, the best ideas come to people on a whim.  For the purpose of forming habits and turning them into a reality however, staying on track trumps any whimsical fancy.

Habits are fun, they don’t always have to be “bad.”  Creating good habits often turns into a lifesaving activity that keeps a person sane, not just “fit.”  As long as those habits are suitable towards fulfillment and overall positive change, in two weeks time (which goes by very quickly) an entirely new person is created.  Somebody who has successfully included a task which has been deemed important to none-other than that person.  In fitness, this means going running, swimming, hiking, playing tennis or simply going to the gym and training with a trainer or a friend.  If it’s the latter, it’s recommended to find someone to go with, as two heads are always better than one.

There you have it, from the head-space of a self-proclaimed Renaissance guy.  Habit-forming is officially “Nattaproblem” stamped.  As always, remove distractions, write goals down, then commit to a specified time each and everyday.  It will seem difficult at first, but keep telling yourself that you’re worth the change.  You’re in control. Period.  The world will seem like a much better place in two weeks time.  Approach it with a sense of humor and a determined spirit, and people will soon start wondering: who is this person that’s holding a handstand for over a minute long!  Dream, achieve, inspire, repeat.  See you next week.

Ciao,

Nattapon Jontom Abbett

Nattaproblem