You don’t need a better target. You need better problems.

If you find yourself excited to tackle a big fitness goal, but then burn out after a few weeks, you don’t need a better goal.

You need to pick better problems.

Let me explain.

Take a marathon for example.

Wanting to full a marathon sounds pretty cool.

But that’s the shiny object at the end of the road.

And while that excitement may be enough to get us started, it’s like lighter fluid that burns quickly and then bursts into flames.

The challenges of the marathon though? They are here to stay.

• Planning long runs when you’re tired
• Management of intrusive pain
• Learning to care for your feet and prevent blisters (not to mention chafing!)
• Meal planning and preparation to support recovery from your runs
• Prioritize sleep over Netflix time so you can get up for that early morning run
• Correcting learning when things don’t go as planned

Much less glamorous than imagining yourself crossing the finish line.

But here’s the thing – if you can learn embrace these parts of the processthen you are basically 100% guaranteed to finish the race.

Because problems and process are the parts that in fact matter.

It’s only when we set a big goal without ALSO realizing that we’re choosing the problems that come with it that we set ourselves up for failure.

As Mark Manson says (paraphrasing):

Stop obsessing over goals.

Start choosing the problems you are willing to have.

Many people say they want:

• « Get In Shape »
• « Building Strength »
• « lose weight »
• « Be more consistent »

But the real question is:

Can you embrace the process that gets you there?

If you can, then you’re on your way.

And if the answer is no, it’s not a failure.

This is information.

And it gives you permission to adjust the goal you’re aiming for and choose problems that work for you—in your worst weeks, not just your best.

I’d love to hear from you! What issues do you embrace?

– Matt

PS At Nerd Fitness, we’re nerds who don’t just love fitness. We love coaching.

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