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Lessons I learned from my
“Body Combat” class

It was my intention to exercise for at least 30 minutes during my “Body Combat” exercise class. It consists of constantly punching, kicking and shuffling to fast-paced music. Most of the students were under 40, so I was feeling a little out of place. An inner mind discovery helped me to exceed my expectations for the class. What I learned changed my perspective on my own potential.

This exercise regimen requires a lot of coordination and at 67 my reflexes are not as sharp as the younger ones in the group. Consequently I am always catching up with the instructor’s movements. As I see myself in the full length mirror, I look a little lost and uncoordinated.

I wanted the instructor to acknowledge that I was doing well for someone my age. That didn’t happen! Then a thought suddenly materialized, “I need to affirm myself when I get the moves right.” The higher I kicked, the stronger my air punches and the more steps I completed correctly, I would complement myself. “Hey Jim, you’re doing really great and you look like you’re having lots of fun!”

In addition, I decided to stop comparing myself to the more physically gifted class members and change my focus. As you know comparison creates two negative emotions, superiority (I’m better than him) and inferiority (I’m not as good as he is).

Either emotion is a barricade to positive living. Consequently I was free from trying to compete with anyone and began to think about satisfying myself.

I suddenly began to relax and enjoy the class more. I was completing more moves and noticed that the effort I was making was more powerful and consequently would be more effective. My own inner coach helped me get the results I wanted.

In my previous Body Combat classes I struggled to get to the 30 minute mark. As I glanced at the wall clock, I realized I had been exercising for 40 minutes. Ten minutes longer than my goal. What a great feeling that was! Exceeding my time expectations was another mental boost for me and I’m sure produced even more of those great endorphins for my body.

At the 40 minute mark the instructor jumped off the stage and was giving knuckle bump affirmations to all the class members. I was so wanting his endorsement but he walked right by me like I wasn’t even there and touched everyone but me.

As a side note, if he were my coaching client I would share with him the importance of acknowledging a person’s efforts not their outcome.

In the workplace, when a manager acknowledges efforts they are unconditionally affirming the person. This greatly increases the manager’s influence with them. In other words, they will provide extra effort unconditionally when needed.

Inner coach summary:

  1. Speak positive words to yourself. Commit your inner coach to be your cheerleader.
  2. Don’t compare yourself to others it fosters unhealthy emotions.
  3. Positive inner dialogue brings a “can do” attitude to the forefront. Positivity tends to melt barriers to success.

To gain a competitive edge companies are challenging the traditional ways of developing their people. Organizations are increasingly using Performance Coaching to bring out the best in their employees.
Give Jim a call to discuss how you can improve your performance and satisfaction. 325 -642-1116.