In last week’s SSM, we talked about how to move into and beyond the pain—and why it’s so absolutely essential for growth.
This entry prompted many people to question: “Should you always move through the pain?” “Isn’t there a time when we really listen to the pain?”
That’s what makes this week’s SSM so ideally timed. (No, it wasn’t an accident. You’re right.)
This week’s Challenge Wisdom is about trusting yourself and having the Strength to stop and take a knee or perhaps a seat of some sort.
While at a glance it may seem to contradict last week’s message about moving through pain, it’s actually very much in concert with it. For this is about having the awareness, the ruthless sense to know the difference between wanting to stop and needing to stop.
When you’re pushing the limits your mind will be the first to send a limiting message, to exaggerate the hurt, to entice you to slow it down or take a break. If you’ve been training hard or pushing it, you might start justifying taking it easy. The first clue here is the inner message, “because I deserve it.”
“Because I deserve it,” is common trap in Transformation Challenges too. You’ve been making some strides, eating right and training strong. Just as you’re feeling good about your progress out pops the “because I deserve it” excuse. Maybe you’re out with friends or in a social environment of some sort, let this one loose and you’ll regret it.
When I Took a Knee
In my first post in this series, 10 Lessons in Success I Learned from the Triple Bypass, I gave the vivid details of the first place I “took a knee” during this bike ride.
I was nearing the half-way point towards the end of a long, tortuous stretch of road where the pain in my ass, my left little toe, my right big toe, my left shoulder and my lower back all reached threshold at the same time. I’ve been told by many bikers that you can ride through just about anything; cramping, fatigue, dehydration but pain is the beginning to the end. It will stop the strongest riders.
And when I say “pain,” this isn’t the pain one has from pushing themselves. It’s not the burn of a biceps on the 20th rep but more the sort of pain of having something broken. It starts as an ache and grows. I could feel it reaching a threshold where I was certain that it would no longer be a decision if I went forward. Where the pain would literally stop me in my tracks.
Wisely, I stopped, glancing left as a rider in his 60’s moved swiftly by—probably in a dance with his own pain.
I’d already pushed myself physically and was on edge, I had repeatedly tested my mental resolve so I was pretty confident that this wasn’t some wimpy move. Like holding my hand under hot running water there’s a point where it pulls itself out, even if you try to stay.
That’s the threshold and I’d reached it.
I’d been tolerating the increasing pains long enough and had the smarts to realize that allowing them to build was not courageous but bullheaded ego. Just stopping for 30-60 seconds completely changed my outlook and energy; eased my pain and revived my spirit.
Transformation Translation
During any prolonged challenge hold the ever present thought that, “Discretion is the better part of valor.” Know it is not a victory to perish in noble attempt but rather to reach your destination intact. And know when to take a knee…
During a Transformation challenge there will be opportunities to take a knee, when the wise move is to do something different, to take a breath and collect yourself.
This may mean a day off when you’re plan says “on,” or whenever rest is needed over more activity. It could be having a free meal or even a free moment. This is where YOU have to be in charge and attune to your needs.
It’s different for each of us but the most important thing to remember is while you have a plan and are pursuing your goals, you are in charge. It’s your body and life and only you can make the right call for you in the moment.
Here’s to your Strength to Take a Knee Next Time You’re beyond the edge…
Until Next Week,
Stay Strong,
Shawn
Follow Me: /Twitter/shawn_phillips
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| About the Author | |
| Author, innovator and expert in Life Performance for two decades, Shawn Phillips is as respected for his physique as his wisdom. Working with his brother Bill (of Body for LIFE fame) he helped create the performance nutrition giant, EAS. For a "how to" guide to a Lifestyle of Fitness Freedom, check out Shawn's most recently instant best-selling book from Bantam BooksStrength for LIFE, called by Next-Level in Transformational Fitness, Here. |
24. August 2009 at 5:39 pm
Deserve It
24. August 2009 at 5:52 pm
“Because I deserve it”…
is this where we answer for the free shirt…?
I’m probably not in the first five, but what the heck – worth a try…
thanks
joe
24. August 2009 at 6:35 pm
“Because I deserve it!”. Thanks for making “Full Strength”.
I was initially part of the “inner circle”, but I reacquired some poor nutritional habits. I stockpiled a bit of a surplus when I quit consuming the shakes regularly (figuratively and literally).
I have since worked my way back into a groove and will soon be ordering again. I follow your work and appreciate your efforts. I am enjoying your gained insights from the Triple Bypass and can relate from some of my more challenging endeavors. Shawn.
25. August 2009 at 4:49 pm
@Shawn Wright:
Thanks for your kind words. Trust you are back on track to Life @ Full Strength!!
Shawn
24. August 2009 at 6:53 pm
because I “deserve it”
24. August 2009 at 7:22 pm
“Because I deserve it.” That’s the answer to the question.
24. August 2009 at 7:27 pm
deserve it
25. August 2009 at 4:45 pm
@Robert E Couture:
Hey Bob,
Your T-shirt is on the way.
Trust you are great!
Thank you for your support!
Shawn
24. August 2009 at 7:47 pm
“Because I deserve it”
24. August 2009 at 8:23 pm
Win One for Yourself Now
QUESTION: One of the most common “traps” for people in Transformation Challenges is “Because I deserve it”
24. August 2009 at 8:48 pm
because i deserve it!
24. August 2009 at 10:24 pm
Because I deserve it………….
25. August 2009 at 2:23 am
good day,
link to page for eeplying to the t shirt quiz doesn’t work.
best regards
25. August 2009 at 4:45 pm
@chris sutton: Darn it! Thanks.. sorry.
Struggling with server issues lately!
Will repair!
25. August 2009 at 5:36 am
deserve it
25. August 2009 at 5:59 am
DESERVE IT!
Dont know where it should really go..but here is where the hyperlink took me. Anyway not just b/c I deserve it…..but ’cause you would get your word out to the US Army…
Shawn — your word is inspirational to keep us going in the Courage Battalion as we conduct operations…
And full strength is what is in many of our tanks as we “execute” in the New Mexican desert near White Sands Missle Range.
Thanks
v.r.
Brian Cook
Lieutenant Colonel, US Army
25. August 2009 at 4:44 pm
@LTC Brian Cook:
Good Day Sir,
Great to hear from you. Thanks for playing… you already have a T-shirt coming so no worries. Should be there any moment.
That’s great! Thank you for inspiring me!
Can you send me a photo of a Full Strength on / in tank? That’d be COOL!
PS Let me know if you need more shakers… also, we’ve got have you on the “Full Service Special Pricing!”
In Strength,
Shawn
25. August 2009 at 8:57 am
Deserve it.
25. August 2009 at 10:57 am
the answer to the t-shirt question is CAUSE I ____ DESERVE IT!
25. August 2009 at 11:37 am
…Because I DESERVE IT. ;^)
25. August 2009 at 1:37 pm
Answer: Because I _deserve_ _it_!
Cool article Shawn!
25. August 2009 at 1:41 pm
Because I deserve it
25. August 2009 at 1:48 pm
Because I DESERVE IT…
25. August 2009 at 3:25 pm
Too often we push for reps and fail to pay attention to form.
Perfect practice makes perfect. Pavel says to enjoy the pain. He also says leave a couple of reps in the bank. Don’t sacrifice form, stay tight and be safe. If you feel a ding in your shoulder, that’s your body telling you to stop. Check your form. Pay attention to the signals your body tells you. Also, remember to take charge of your training.
If your Trainer or class is pushing too hard, Shawn’s right, take a breather and jump back in when you’re ready.
25. August 2009 at 4:40 pm
@Jerry:
So true! Great advice Jerry… thanks.
Sorry ya missed the shirts but there’ll be ways to get one, fer sure…
Shawn