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Summary

A medical professional shares their journey from reluctance to embracing running as a key component of a healthy lifestyle.

Abstract

The author, Dr. Jeff Livingston, reflects on the realization that exercise, specifically running, is crucial for a happy life. Despite knowing its benefits, he struggled with inertia and a plethora of excuses. The turning point came when he decided to identify as a person who runs, inspired by the Couch to 5K app. This decision led to a significant mindset shift, eliminating daily debates about exercising and resulting in his current training for a half marathon. He emphasizes the power of commitment and self-identification in making lasting changes, such as his own transformation from someone who resisted running to becoming a dedicated runner.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the decision to start running was a pivotal moment in his self-improvement journey.
  • He acknowledges the mental battle and the tendency to make excuses to avoid exercise.
  • The act of self-identifying as a runner helped him overcome daily resistance to running.
  • He suggests that once a decision is made, there should be no further deliberation, which simplifies the process of adopting new habits.
  • The author values the impact of podcasts and apps like Couch to 5K in providing the necessary inspiration and structure to start running.
  • He contrasts the failure to commit with the success that comes from truly deciding to adopt a new behavior or identity.
  • The author implies that changing one's self-perception is a powerful tool for personal development and maintaining healthy habits.
Photo by Joseph Barrientos on Unsplash

How I Became a Person Who Runs

Deciding is the first step in making a change

It took me 47 years and a medical degree to learn that regular exercise was an important step to a happy life.

When I exercise I feel great. The dopamine and endorphins kick in. My stress goes down. My energy goes up. When I don’t exercise, I feel sluggish, unmotivated and struggle with my weight. So why is it a battle every day to do it?

My brain fights me. Inertia kicks in.

My mind ventures to convince me it is easier to do nothing than to do something. I am the king of excuses. One evening after work I went to change into my running clothes. The thought in my head was “I can’t exercise today because I would have to change my shoes.” #badexcuse. In my mind, this was a perfectly rational reason why I should skip exercising. Other common excuses that pop into my mind are:

“I just ate.”

“It will be too late to eat when I am finished.”

“I will do it tomorrow.”

“I deserve a day off .”

“I am too tired.”

My first step was simply deciding that “I was someone who runs.”

My wife bought me some running shoes for my birthday. I had not gone jogging in at least 15 years. They sat lonely in the closet untouched for a few months. In January 2019, I heard a podcast that discussed the running app Couch to 5K, and it intrigued me.

That night I opened the app, put on the shoes, and went out to run. I decided I was a person who runs. Period. No more inner monologue debates. No excuses. It was decided. Now, eleven months later I am training for a half marathon.

Self Improvement changes in my life come from these moments

I just decide “this is what I am going to do.” Once the decision is made then there is no more thinking about it. No more deciding. It is over. Done. When I find myself saying things like “I need to lose weight” or “I should eat better” then I fail in the long run.

The reason I fail is that I have not committed or internalized the decision. I have not truly decided. My coworkers and I discussed this idea one day. Later that week some visitors brought donuts. I overheard my teammate decline the snacks by saying “ I am not someone who eats donuts.” Turning down the delicious delicacy was easy for someone who does not eat donuts.

New challenges

Now that I am a person who runs I no longer think about whether or not I will exercise today. My Mindset has changed. That debate is over. Now I ask myself how far can I go?

Do you want to learn more about healthy living? Visit the MacArthur Minute for more informative articles. This article was contributed by MacArthur Medical Center’s Dr. Jeff Livingston

Running
Making Change Happen
Self Improvement
Self Help
Mindset
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