Whether you've set a goal to lose weight, try a new sport, or stick with a fitness routine, there are many potential physical and mental challenges you may encounter along the way. Here are five common issues that women face, and steps you can take to overcome them.
Comparison
I was in Atlanta, Georgia sitting in a crowd of about 4,000 people at a conference when Lisa Nichols, an inspirational speaker, delivered a line that has been engrained in my head ever since. She said with strength and exuberance, "Curiosity did not kill the cat, comparison did." It's the truth. When you compare yourself to others you debilitate your growth, and you may find yourself stuck in a valley of self-doubt.
In the competitive world of athletics, some comparison is inevitable, but there's a difference between making comparisons and measuring individual progress.
While the former causes feelings of inadequacy and disappointment, the latter provides hope, expands your dreams, and provides room for growth and development.
Goal setting and self-evaluation are vital to achievement. Take the proven process of setting mini goals a step further and turn comparison into inspiration.
More: Easy Steps to Attain Big Fitness Goals
Injury
Injuries can trigger feelings of despair, and cause depression, sadness and even anger. While recovering from an injury, it's important to acknowledge your feelings and develop a plan. Just as you would establish a short-term goal during training, you can use this recovery period as an opportunity to set new goals.
Shift your mindset rather than feeling powerless. Accept the situation and empower yourself with a new plan of action. It's crucial to maintain a positive attitude during this time, even if you have to remind yourself to stay positive daily, or even hourly.
Focus on short-term accomplishments. Stay involved with friends or teammates in to prevent feelings of isolation. Participate in an activity that works alternate muscle groups, this will help you stay active and engaged, and keep you focused on the healing rather than on the injury.
It's important to surround yourself with positive influences during this vulnerable time. You may feel as if you have a lack of choices, but this isn't necessarily true. This is when mental influence can truly be a savior. "Thoughts are things," says Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Mental practices such as positive visualization, hypnotherapy, and meditation are all very useful while you're healing.
More: Overcoming an Injury
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