New Plan - part 2

Continuing with last's week blog -

the second thing I want to focus on is my flexibility. I started going to physio and I find that lots of my back pain (and parts of the body pain) is due to very very very tight muscles.

The treatments are painful but I do feel there is progress. I have less back pain and I do feel more flexible.

I am also starting a stretching routine that focuses on a different area everyday. This routine emphasis the importance of stretching for long enough time. 3 to 5 minutes!

New Plan - part 1

With new circumstances plans change. I had a specific schedule and rhythm with work and Kung Fu. Things changed.

There are 2 things I plan to focus on in the next year (which means I will have less time for other things).

The first is my ability to do things without getting out of breath. With staying at home, I am feeling less active than when I am at work. The best way I can think of to get better cardio is by running.

I know it will not be easy and will not be happening overnight. But I need to get running - faster and longer runs.

Act Now!

 We cannot change the past. So why do we look back and have thoughts of what if?

There are lots of things I wish I would have done in the past, things I wish I started earlier. But I cannot. What I can do is shape my future. So instead of dwelling in the past, I need to think about my future and act in the present. Act now.

Habits reinvented

Since the beginning of COVID19 isolation, all my routines were broken. I've managed to get some new routines in place like morning workouts and working on the Kung Fu videos added a different kind of routine as well.

There are 2 things I want to get back into. One is better diet. Working from home makes it hard to control my diet. The pantry is just few steps away... But I'm going to try to get into the habit of preparing some better choices to be able to pick from. The second is running. I am not a good runner but I got into a routine of running when I was able to go to the gym. Now I wait for the weather to get warmer and to be able to go for a daily run. Maybe in a couple of weeks...

What's in a number?

We set goal or requirements and we quantify them to make sure we can measure progress and success. But why are we choosing a specific number as our goal? Why for some things we set the target at a thousand where for others it might be 50,000?

When we set a target number we want to set a number that is achievable but at the same time a number that will challenge us. If it is too easy (e.g. 100 push-ups in a year) then it is not advancing us. If it is too hard then we will most likely get discouraged and stop.

So when picking a target it should be the right number for you. Challenging but achievable.

Destruction of Structure

I’ve been challenged with lots of travel in the first few months of the year. Every time I travel it takes me out of my routine. I started to develop a new routine while I’m travelling but the last trip was hectic and I was not able to do what I have planned. Oh well, one week and then we are back to normal.

Well that did not happen. I started working from home. Kids are at home. I don’t like practicing at home. I like the disconnect of being at the Kwoon or being at the gym.

I’m sure a new routine will be formed soon as it seems this is going to be our new normal for the next few months.

One structure gone. New one will be formed.

Engagement

Engagement is one of the key components of the IHC. As long as you are engage in improving yourself and engaged with the team you are set. 

But engagement can come in all different levels. From doing nothing to being the energizer bunny. Both extremes are not good. With doing nothing it is obvious. With going overboard you are risking burnout. 

Showing to classes, attending meetings, blogging, reading blogs, actively participating in IHC projects, knowing who is on the team, helping each other. This is what engagement means to me. And it requires lots of effort.