A few months ago a friend wanted to get in shape after the long winter (which is still not over around here, by the way!). She asked me for some general fitness and nutrition advice and it soon became clear that one of her major problems was to keep the motivation to stick with her program once she had started it. This is probably the biggest hurdle to overcome and it’s not to be taken lightly. I see a lot of good advice in blogs and magazines about how to stick to your fitness goals, but as artists, we have a slight advantage in that our powers of imagination and visualization can be used to help us in a big way. And since the human brain is designed for the capability to have imagination, anyone can use this principle to their advantage, whether they call themselves artists or not.
Often when people feel they’d like to get in better shape, it’s basically conceived of as a goal. The problem with a goal is that it’s really a temporary thing. Like getting to a certain point and then you’re finished! Then it’s back to the usual. I was discussing this with Boris and he said, “When you finish a painting, you’re not finished with art. It’s just On To The Next Painting! That’s because you think of yourself as an artist—it’s your identity, not just a painting.”
If you want to make a commitment to yourself to live a healthier lifestyle and get the most out of your amazing brain (to produce more amazing art!), you have to think of yourself as an active, healthy person. I’m not talking about just repeating words like “I’m strong! Yeah, I’m a badass!” or something equally poetic, but really creating a feeling in your mind that it’s who you are. Think of how it is when you’re working on a piece of art, you allow yourself to be so absorbed into the world of your subject that it becomes reality in your mind. Do the same thing with the image of yourself as a healthy, athletic person and you’ll send clear messages to all of the cells in your body to act accordingly. If you remember to think this way consistently for a long enough time, your body will basically “re-wire” itself and these thoughts will be there as your brain’s default setting. It’s the first step and, though it may seem too simple, it can make all the difference down the road.
Yes this is a huge problem for a lot of people.They get started on a fitness program,don't see results,compare themselves to others,who have been doing it for years,which sets them up for mental failure and they get discouraged and quite.The one thing that helped me the most was when I realized that I was not in competition with any one, but myself.I am also very fortunate to have a friend who was a amateur power lifting champion that was willing to help and guide me.Talk about some encouragement!Having a good coach/mentor is so important.Sorry if this post is to long.
ReplyDeleteDonnie
Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great metaphor, one that I will definitely hold on to.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog (and cool addition to your painting blog with Boris). Thanks for sharing - my wife and I are really inspired to get back in shape.
Thanks for the comments, you guys! It's so nice to know that you're excited about the subject!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. I've always said nothing gets done without a little healthy obsession Artist are good at the obsession part, now we have inspiration for the healthy part.
Thanks and see you at the MC.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/GRAPHITE-SLINGER/ErgonomicsWorkstation.gif
ReplyDeleteMay be this will be helpful.Its more bio-mechanical than nutrition.Since a lot of people sit at work,I rearranged my station so I could stand,this may help someone.
Donnie
P.S.-Sorry about the long link.I could not figure out how to post a short link in the comment box.
I'm on board with that. It's all about immersion and getting into that mind set. In my gym experience that really made a big difference...and I'm fairly certain that's what kept me motivated and on track.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I used to imagine myself as someday perhaps looking like the subjects in your paintings when I first started haha. Strangely, it kept me focused. I guess having that mental image really made a difference. :D
I suppose I wanted it bad enough too. Having that kind of drive also helps.
Thank you so much! This is SO IMPORTANT and this is the first time I've seen this advice. Leave it to you and Boris! :-D
ReplyDeleteThe other day I was actually thinking along these lines (but hadn't gotten to your inspiring conclusion) when I realized I don't see myself as an athletic person. I have a bunch of athletic clothes that I wear when I exercise but when I do I feel like I'm an impostor. Since I see myself as a bookworm and an artist (and, uh, kinda uncoordinated), I figure I can't be athletic.
But why should those identities PRECLUDE the athletic part? As you both have proven, artists can be major-league athletes! And even uncoordinated people can still be active and healthy! After all I've played soccer and tennis without mishap, and actually had lots of fun. So I'm going to take your advice and think of myself as a healthy, active, athletic person from now on, even if it sounds like I'm playing a part at first. Your art analogy was so helpful. Thank you again.
Yeah, artists are such internally-oriented people in general--why not use it as our double secret superpower!
ReplyDeleteDonnie, thanks for the info on the workstation!
No problem Julie.Hope it helps.I try to be proactive in preventative measures as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa:I felt the same way when I started working out seriously.It took me awhile to get over that mental hurdle.The more and more I went and learned how to do it correctly,because in this sense knowledge truly leads to power :), the less those old thoughts crept up and I started seeing myself in a new light.
The power of the mind should never be underestimated. I really believe in "mind over matter".
ReplyDelete