top of page
Search

Celebrating non-achievement or... ...confessions of a former perfectionist

I received a medal in the post today that I’m very proud of, despite it symbolising a goal I didn’t achieve. This has taken a real change in mindset for me, but one that is much healthier and realistic, and really underpins what I believe to be the Four Foundations of Fitness.



In 2018, I’d set myself the goal of running 1,000km during the year. With some planning and a bit of kicking myself out the door to go for a run even when I didn’t feel like it, I achieved this goal fairly comfortably, the most consistently I’d ever run. It felt good. I felt fit. I was running a lot of Personal Bests as a result. And I was loving it. I received my Virtual Runner UK 1000km medal with pride.


For 2019, needing to concentrate on my business and having other fitness goals to work towards, I knew I wouldn’t have quite as much time to run, so I signed up for the 500 mile (800km) challenge instead, thinking I would achieve it pretty easily.


I didn’t. Everything was a struggle. A major bereavement to work through, a fledgling business to focus on, relationship instability, and poor health of family members, it felt like I was being pulled in too many directions all at once and there were periods where all I could do was cling on and trust that I had the strength to make it through. My body had no energy, my mind had no will power. I was mostly in survival mode. When I did run, it was like running through treacle.


Normally, goals are like catnip for me. I set a goal, I do everything I can to make it. Failure to achieve isn’t an option. Years ago, in my first job, a colleague described me as “having the drive of a freight train”. I plough on through to get to my destination and don’t change course easily. Over the years, I’ve had to learn to adapt; major illness has twice changed my life plans quite significantly. But mostly I just drive that freight train, determined to get to where I set out to go.



To not achieve what seemed quite a simple goal was actually a bigger challenge than running the 500 miles. Changing my mindset. Accepting that non-achievement is okay. Dare I use the phrase “I failed”? Yes, I failed to achieve my goals! But I survived. And I learnt a lot. I learnt to listen to my body, to know when it needed rest. I learnt to care for my mind. I learnt to accept where I am in every moment, knowing that I’m doing my best in that instance, trusting that my best is good enough. This is worth celebrating.


Body. Mind. Energy. Rest. Each foundation is as important as the next. It is not just about pushing on towards physical goals, training harder, getting stronger. It’s also about letting go of those goals sometimes. Getting adequate rest. Not just physical rest, but mental rest too, treating yourself kindly, nurturing yourself. Listening to what your body needs, what your mind is crying out for. The inner body/mind wisdom that we carry with us is immense; if we tune in and learn to listen, we will know what path to follow. When to cling on, and when to let go. What to do that is good for us, and what not to do.


My main goal for 2020? To survive the year. Now this is one goal where failure is not an option! But I know I have the inner resources to make it. And if not, I have friends and professionals I can reach out to for advice and encouragement. If there’s anything I can help support you with, then let me know – I’d love to hear from you.


Comments

bottom of page