I’m a pretty motivated person. I’ll admit that hasn’t always been the case but I learned to push myself and go for something big. It makes me a little sad sometimes to see people not really reaching for something great, just what they think they can do. There’s a group on Fitocracy called “Fitness Bucket List” where people put up lists of the things they want to do, their Holy Grails of fitness.
Now, I don’t want it to seem like I’m disrespecting anyone, I respect the hell out of anyone who’s making an effort to better themselves; we are the elite. What I’m seeing is a lot of people who just want to do things like “one pullup”. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. There are a whole lot of people who can’t do any.
To me, that just doesn’t seem like a bucket list type item.
Working toward that first one is a great milestone, but why stop there? Why not make the goal something like 3 sets of 10? Once you hit that first one, you know you’re on the way and it’s time to push through.
One of the things I want to do is 10 pistol (one-legged) squats per side. I can’t even do one right now, but that isn’t going to stop me from shooting for 10. It’s a high bar and a lofty goal but that’s exactly why it’s there. I’m setting my bar where it’s reachable but is still a big challenge.
I want to visit all 50 states and every NHL arena; people do things like that all the time, but it’s not going to be quick or easy. I’ve set that bar high enough to give me something big to reach for.
There’s no shame in anything you want to accomplish if it’s for bettering yourself. Just don’t be afraid of setting your bar higher. Without a doubt, you’re capable of way more than you give yourself credit for.
