Hey there,
When you start something new, it can be tempting to try and rush through the beginning or intermediate steps and try to get right to the cool and sexy stuff.
I did this when I first started boxing. I barely knew how to throw a basic jab — let alone defend one — when I convinced my coach to let me start sparring, the boxing term for practice fighting.
When sparring, you’re supposed to practice all the skills you’ve been working on while training. But because I didn’t know much yet, I’d often leave sparring sessions feeling frustrated and defeated. I compared myself to others who had been training for years or a decade more than me and thought that maybe I just didn’t have what it took to be a skilled boxer.
Looking back, I realize that I wasn’t willing to start where I was. By pretending I wasn’t a beginner, I skipped crucial foundational steps. Doing so held me back and slowed my progress.
Whatever your goal or pursuit, there’s no point in pretending you’re further along than you are. By being honest with yourself and accepting where you’re at, rather than fighting it, you can then figure out the necessary steps to get where you want to be.
What I’m reading —
A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Mastering the Art of Oneironautics by Dylan Tuccillo
Lucid dreaming is the ability to know you’re dreaming while you’re in a dream. This book teaches you how to lucid dream by learning to better access the REM sleep stage. Interesting stuff!
What I’m listening to —
Long Story Short: The Only Storytelling Guide You’ll Ever Need by Margot Leitman
What makes a good story? Margot says it’s all about living an interesting life — and letting your passion show through. Lots of good tips in this whether you’re a writer, have to deliver a wedding toast, or even want to craft a story around your business.
A quote that inspires me —
“You are what you think. So just think big, believe big, act big, work big, give big, forgive big, laugh big, love big, and live big.” — Dale Carnegie
What I’m training —
Here’s a medicine ball core circuit I posted on Instagram recently.
Three new workouts —
12-Minute Medicine Ball Champion HIIT Workout (12 Minute, medicine ball)
Speedster Jump Rope HIIT Workout (12 Minute, jump rope)
270 Rep Home Challenge Workout (Time challenge, equipment-free)
You can get these and all future workouts right in the 12 Minute Athlete app when you subscribe as a Super Athlete.
Questions? Feedback? Content requests?
Please feel free to reply directly to this email if you have any questions or comments (yes, I am a real human). I get a lot of emails and messages, so I can’t reply to all of them, but I do read everything you guys send me!
– Krista