Just Take a Small Risk!

My fellow Baby Boomers and dear older adults, how many times have you not started something because it might not turn out the way you want? You wish to begin a walking program, but your legs might hurt…if you plant a garden for fresh veggies, the seedlings might die…what if you don’t find the time to ride that new bicycle you’re thinking of buying?

Why Bother?
Because the things you’re afraid of might not ever happen! And what’s the worst if they do? We know for sure what will happen if you don’t take that risk–to quote ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!”

Sometimes you just have to look at the task, take the necessary precautions and jump in!

My Rainy Day Story

Just put on those shoes and go!
Just put on those shoes and go!

As an example, this past Sunday around 4:00, I needed to get away from my office. I only had 5,800 of my 10,000-step goal, and I had spent way too much time sitting. My go-to exercise–walking on our community “meadow” area.

But it was cloudy and cold, and it had been drizzling. My phone was forecasting rain until 6:00.

If I stepped out for my 30-minute walk, I might get wet!!! That has stopped me in the past.

But I was planning to bake chocolate chip cookies after dinner (my go-to dreary weather indulgence!) and knew I had to burn off some calories ahead of time.

So I put on a scarf, sweatshirt and light windbreaker. I laced up a pair of hiking boots I don’t mind getting muddy, grabbed an umbrella and walked out the door.

And it started raining! Of course…

But I continued; the rain became a drizzle and stopped after 10 minutes. By the time I got home, the scarf was off, the umbrella was useless, both jackets were completely unzipped. And I was successful–my FitBit registering 9,903 steps!

The moral: stop avoiding an important activity because you’re afraid something might not go right!

Help Yourself Get Started
Here are 5 steps to consider before taking a risk, from Forbes.com and PsychologyToday.com:
1) Stop underestimating yourself! You have many talents and abilities, so gather them up for self-confidence.
2) Consider the risks of settling. What are the consequences of not taking the risk?
3) Remember that risk is relative. Everybody has their own tolerance for risk, so don’t compare yourself to others.
4) Be realistic about what could go wrong. Keep consequences in perspective and prepare for them as best as possible.
5) Let go of what others think. No additional info needed here!
6) Picture everything going well. Athletes and speakers have mastered the art of visualization; use positive thinking in seeing the results you desire.

To end with another sports quote: Just do it (Nike)!

Need a nudge to take that fitness risk?  Give me a call!

We can discuss some practical tips and discover if any of my programs or classes are a good fit for you.
If you’d like to schedule that call with me, just CLICK THIS LINK, and let me know in the message that you would like a 1-on-1 call with me right away and I will be in touch to schedule that – oh, and leave me your phone number in there too since email is not as reliable as it used to be! Thanks.

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