Are you lacking focus?
Hey Athletes!
Are you a multitasker? It’s often a badge we wear with pride, getting more done by combining multiple activities at once. But is it actually serving us?
I had a fantastic couple of rides last night which led me to ponder this question. How common is it to have not just one, but two good rides on different horses… I think it is not that uncommon actually! What I believe to have contributed to it was by not multitasking. I was riding alone, my phone stayed at the kickboards by the mounting block, it was just me and my horse.
Now that is clearly not surprising you, its been said time and time again that we need to be present with our horses. I am preaching to the choir but also I have been seeking this kind of presence for ages. So what finally changed for me this week?
I think it was finally consistency paying off. Consistency not in my riding (I have barely ridden at all for the last month or two), but consistency in my workout habits, specifically by training my focus muscle.
The thing is, working out in the gym (or at home) on a regular basis trains not just our bodies, but perhaps even more so our minds. In no particular order, here are some of the ways this happens:
When you have weights in your hands, you can’t be texting. When you have reins in your hands, you cant be texting.
Music can get you in the zone. For some this can be distracting, for others it can help drown out the “noise”. Play around and see what works for you.
Learning to show up without the expectation of perfect, but really reaching inside yourself to feel what you are capable of (and hearing the feedback from your horse)
Focus intensity means you can actually value your time more. Its like HIIT for your brain. Spend a little time in high value mode and reap the rewards everywhere.
Setting time for yourself - focusing for that short period of time helps break the stigma that you should be last on your todo list. Give to yourself so you can give to your horse.
Exercise helps us to breathe deeply- it shouldn’t be something that we have to practice, but in this modern world sometimes it takes a kick to get started
All these things compound upon themselves and build your confidence. They reinforce each other and make you want to keep going. Your horse notices. “Motivation” becomes less relevant and you start to find yourself actually ENJOYING your workouts.
If you are still struggling with staying present and focused in your workout, start with these quick and easy steps.
1) Use wireless earphones for your music and put your phone in another room (if you can’t remember what exercises to do, use a paper notebook)
2) Schedule your workout like you would a meeting for work. Your calendar shows as busy so you will be less likely to receive alerts
3) Be accountable to another person - join a group class or use a personal trainer, they are your substitute horse here and you will be less likely to fill the boredom gaps which quickly spiral into the dreaded scroll.
If you need #3, that’s where I can really help you now! I currently have 2 different ways of doing this - through the FitRider Membership which now has live classes 4-5 days per week, and through private coaching. You can sign up at the link below for FitRider or you can just hit reply to this email if you are interested in one on one training. My regulars will tell you that both are highly motivating and are helping them to stay accountable and focused.
Cheers,
Sarah