You get better and better everytime you keep at it

Have you noticed that when you do something once, or for the first time, you’re likely to think that you just not ‘that good’ at it? And if we stopped right there, we would form a negative belief congruent with that performance.

Growing up, all I wanted to be was a boxer – a champion of the world. I followed the champions on the telly, dreamed about it, spoke about it, shadow boxed and yes – got into some school fights. Genetically, perhaps I lacked the potential – but my dreams compensated for what I lacked. Life though has a way of bringing certain things into our lives that are helpful and more important at certain times. So, this aspiration and expression was repressed to whatever else was priority.

Recently, I decided to seek the help of a personal trainer who sat me down and discussed my health goals and aspirations. One of the exercises he suggested to help me achieve my goals was to incorporate boxing into my workout sessions. He explained the benefits of boxing, but cautioned that it was harder than most think.

I looked forward to my first workout session. I thought I inwardly possessed rhythm, beat and snap to get into the groove easily. Within 15 minutes, I realised I was sorely wrong. The hour session included the punching bag, hitting my trainer’s mitts, quick squats and ducking, jabs, combinations, uppercuts, sprints, walking lunges etc. After the first session – my spirit was shaken, somewhat broken: this was indeed tough – demanding fitness, cardio, sharpness, pace, endurance, breath, intensity, mental toughness, listening and more.

But my second session was brilliant. Somehow my muscles had learned how to respond, I was mentally tough, sharp, hard and responsive. It was almost as though my brain had accepted and adapted to what is expected. At the end of the workout, I felt like a million bucks. This motivated me to look forward to session after session, and continue working my way to achieving my goals.

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier – not that the nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The way to begin, is to begin. The key to succeeding is not to quit early. Keep at it. Learn. Notice how you feel, whether it makes you strong. That probably speaks to your interest/ passion. If it does, its good for you.