Marni Sumbal, Triathlete & Coach from Mark Woods on Vimeo.
The term addiction is often applied to activities that are non-substance related, particularly referring to individuals who "engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences, as deemed by the user themselves to their individual health, mental state, or social life. There may be biological and psychological factors contributing to these addictions." (Source: Wikipedia)
Life presents many opportunites to feel as sense of accomplishment. Whether it is crossing your first running or triathlon finishing line, turning in a proposal, giving a presentation, passing an exam or putting together a community or volunteer-related event, I believe this quote says it the best:
"The person determined to achieve maximum success learns the principle that progress is made one step at a time. A house is built one brick at a time. Football games are won a play at a time. A department store grows bigger one customer at a time. Every big accomplishment is a series of little accomplishments.” -David Joseph Schwartz
Far too often in life, we (health conscious individuals) overlook the importance of progress and consistency and become obsessed (or addicted) with our actions and strive for immediate results. For at one time, you felt accomplished at the end of your long journey but when desiring more (which is completely normal) you proceeded to forget about the initial journey that required multiple and multiple actions to trigger a positive end result. Ultimately, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts lose focus of the importance of balance in order to achieve long-lasting results.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard "I'm too busy to work on my nutrition," "this isn't the best time to start an exercise routine" or "I'll start working on myself in a few weeks when life becomes a little less hectic". Tomorrow is never a good time to start on changing habits for if you expect too much out of yourself when life appears "easy", you have missed vital opportunities to develop positive behaviors when life is a bit too tough to handle.
As a triathlete, there are times when the waves in the ocean are choppy, the wind is in my face on the bike and for every downhill on a hilly run, there appears to be double or triple the uphills.
My addiction to triathlons, running and competitions is fueled by my desire of feeling accomplished at what I set my sights on and what I become during the process. For without balance, it is easy to continue doing the same things, all while experiencing the same results. As athletes, most of us are always teetering on the edge of injury, burnout, illness or fatigue. If we weren't, well perhaps we'd just be "exercising" and not pushing our limits.
Although life presents many opportunties for accomplishment, as well as to feel addicted to the process, it is only through a balanced lifestyle that one can truely recognize what it feels like to live life and enjoy all the tiny moments that make up the bigger picture.
Sure, you've heard it over and over again that you should find balance in your life....but it is only up to you, to make the decision NOW as to how you will work on your life, in order to feel what it is like to live a life of balance.
As I share my pics from Day 2 of the Oakley Women Perform Beautifully retreat, I can't help but reflect on how it felt to surround myself with the other 9 ambassadors who all inspire me on a daily basis to perform beautifully. Each one performing beautifully in their own way on a daily basis, I can't help but be reminded that calling yourself a "triathlete" or "runner" or "cyclist" is only a title. Ultimately, your sport of choice is your lifestyle and like anything in life, you may be training for an upcoming event or have your eyes set on qualifying for an upcoming race but at the end of the day, your love for x-sport or activity is your passion and something you want to continue for a lifetime.
Take a moment today (or a few) and reflect on the many opportunities in your life to find balance and be sure to recognize what it feels like, once you find "it".
Stay tuned....the pics you have been waiting for are coming soon!
Inside the Oakley Headquarters!
