The Olympics was riveting this year! While the athletes were as awe-inspiring as always, the theme that kept popping up is how mental health is as essential to excellence as physical health, and how important it is to know our “why” if we are to be successful in sports – and in life overall.
Why is our “why” so important? Simon Sinek is an author and a viral TED talk host of, “Finding Your Why”:
“Because most of our habits and routines are instinctual, we tend to move through life in autopilot. There are things we do that we don’t really fully comprehend that is dramatically shortening our life, contributing to mental stress and inhibiting our life goals. If we are more aware of what makes us tick, we are more likely to make healthier decisions leading to a more joyous and successful life.”
We are very different people with different stories, but Simone Biles and I share one thing in common. We both lost and found our “whys “…
Simone’s story, In the 2020 Olympics, Simone incurred a bad case of the “twisties”, which means she kept getting lost in space, so she had to bow out. She thought it was a physical issue for two years, and kept trying to fix it with more training. Then a coach suggested her problem was mental. After going through extensive therapy, she realized she was doing gymnastics for everyone else but herself, which added so much stress that she (literally) lost herself. Through therapy, she re-learned why she loved gymnastics and found the FUN in it again. Soon enough, her twisties disappeared. When she came back for the Olympics, she came back for herself. The rest is history!
My story, before Mojo...
Before Mojo, my reason for exercising was to keep from getting thicker. There were no dance fitness classes available at the time, so the treadmill was my (dreaded) fitness accessory. It did not take long for the boredom and senselessness to get to me. I soon burned out. At the young age of 40, I remember thinking, “Who cares if my middle is paunchy? I’m getting older. I need to grow old gracefully.” lol. Then the joy of Mojo came into my life. Challenging my body and brain mentally, physically, creatively, and playfully has become a healthy addiction. Add in the camaraderie of so many like-minded friends, and exercise is now a positive pillar in my life…Halleluja!
We may not be Olympians, but we do have a full arsenal of brave and fierce friends with inspirational “whys” in our Mojo community….
“After having cancer, I want to get stronger. I am so thankful I can DO this!”
“I went through a painful loss, and this is a wonderful way to get out of my head and bring JOY into my life.”
“I suffer from depression and this helps keep my cortisol levels balanced”
“I have children/grandchildren and I want to be able to help out and enjoy them for decades to come!”
“I want to enjoy hiking, traveling, golf pickleball, and Mojo!”
Have you lost your mojo? It’s possible your why is out of sync. No one can find it for you and the motivation will not simply appear. It’s up to YOU to put on those sneakers and take those baby steps (kicks and shimmies) forward. It will not be easy. If it was, EVERYONE would be fit, healthy and happy.
Stuck? Here’s some ammunition…
Click here to view Simon Sinek, “Finding your Why” viral Ted Talk
The fourth most-viewed TED Talk of all time.
My fave power poem of all time…
You may be tired, burnt out and don’t feel like it…
but keep moving!
You may have stacks of bills and may be
stressed out about how to pay them….
but keep moving!
You may have drama or trauma in your life…
relationships…children…or career….
but keep moving.
Someone you care deeply about may be ill or
declining in health.
It is their journey.
You are here to love, support
and/or accompany them…
not to become them…
so keep moving!
Life may hand you a set of keys that won’t
open any doors.
Crawl out a window…
and keep moving!
You will get past this moment.
You will feel stronger and more
hopeful than you are now.
Resolve that you can and that you will do this.
Just keep moving!!
You have something special.
You have GREATNESS within you!!
Just keep moving!!
Author: Les Brown
It’s up to YOU to make it happen.
Get your MOJO one with us this week!
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