My job as a Kinesiologist and coach is 50% art and 50% science. And I truly am as passionate about the mind as I am about the body. I was fortunate enough to learn about both the science and the art of human movement through my studies at UVic...yes, I have an Arts degree in Kinesiology from the Faculty of Education. Sound strange? There aren't many of us out there:) What that means is I had the opportunity to study Sports Psychology and Sociology along with my Kinesiology Sciences. That is where my passion for the powerful 'art' of human movement began...
Motivation.
Mental strength.
Will.
Energy.
Focus.
Human connection.
Self efficacy.
Fear.
Passion.
Success.
Failure.
These are topics that intrigue and inspire me as much as exercise physiology. They are brains behind the brawn. The captain behind the wheel. The driver of the bus.
There is much more to performance than simply 'exercise'. Some say it is 80% mental. I believe it is more. And for some it is 100%. Without the mind to drive the bus onward, upward, over and through...what use is the body? We make the decision to begin with the mind. We choose to carry on with the mind. And when we quit, it is decided first in our mind.
And yet, we spend 99% of our training energy on the body. Just imagine the beast you could unleash if you harnessed the power of your mind?
Each week I see the mind driving buses off cliffs, into walls and down decommissioned logging roads full of potholes and probable flat tires. I see buses going off the map and entirely in the wrong direction. I see buses stuck in a rut or collecting rust in a heap on the side of the road.
Now, you know I'm not talking about the Greyhound here, right?
I'm talking about you. You and me and everyone else around us.
I hear:
My week was crazy.
My kids were sick.
Work was insane.
Things are nuts right now.
Followed by:
I'm not happy with my weight.
I feel like crap.
I'm sick, again.
I don't have any energy.
I can't sleep.
I am really low.
And to that I ask:
Who the heck is driving this bus anyways?
We have one go at this. Will we choose to hang on for the ride or get behind the wheel and steer this rig? That, my friends, is up to each and every one of us.
I do not judge. I observe. I listen. I look for patterns in the tracks. I listen for the engine in the distance. And when the time is right I am here ready to assist. I guess you could say that I am the BCAA for your bus:). Here's the trick...YOU have to be the one to pick up the phone and make the call. You have a great set of tools to fix er up and get on course. Some of them might be a bit rusty, but with some care and practice I am sure they will do the trick. If you need some new tools or additional expertise, there are plenty of mechanics like myself who would love to help you out and get you on the road.
But there are no quick fixes. Long term success takes long term effort. You have to do regular maintenance. You know, check the oil, fill up the gas, plan your route, check the map now and then. But once you get on board and grab that wheel, man, you are in for the ride of your life.
Big smile, hair blowing back...are you ready to drive the bus?
:)
Sarah.
