I totally get it when it comes to repair work and just having to live out the daily grind.
That was a great description in your article of the mental trap we can all place ourselves in. Since about 7 years ago I had a major couple of life events that challenged me and as a result I started reading, studying, and doing my best to discipline myself with the practice of stoicism.
I went through a period of personal trials and shortfalls, but during this time I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to train in the martial art of Thai boxing. Training in this discipline helped me to calm that inner "doubt monster" as I call it in order to keep my mental attitude in check.
I found that when I trained in the discipline that the physical challenge from Thai boxing coupled nicely with the stoic mindset that enabled me to keep my attitude on the right track.
It requires a daily reminder, but I find that not allowing myself to get too high during the victories, as well as not getting too low with the defeats is what keeps that "doubt monster" locked away in its cage.
That's an interesting way to go about developing the discipline and self-awareness needed for that kind of self-regulation.
I like it. You have to have those traits to do any form of martial art or martial play.
I wonder if I can channel that into the gym. I can't have any more concussions (my own "prescription" due to having had many) so anything impact will not be wise for me, but there are plenty of other options!
Physical exertion is great for honing this. I am a strength and conditioning coach,.as well as an author here on the Substack.
You can still get a long bag and start building up your conditioning and movement. You can practice throwing combinations to punch and kick the bag.
You can set your work to rest ratio with timed intervals. Shoot for a 3 to 1 ratio with 3 minutes of work and 1 minute rest for each interval. This is equivalent to a pro-Muay Thai round.
Set the goal to work up to 3 rounds, then 4, and so on.
Here the bag won't hit back, but you can challenge yourself mentally and physically.
I totally get it when it comes to repair work and just having to live out the daily grind.
That was a great description in your article of the mental trap we can all place ourselves in. Since about 7 years ago I had a major couple of life events that challenged me and as a result I started reading, studying, and doing my best to discipline myself with the practice of stoicism.
I went through a period of personal trials and shortfalls, but during this time I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to train in the martial art of Thai boxing. Training in this discipline helped me to calm that inner "doubt monster" as I call it in order to keep my mental attitude in check.
I found that when I trained in the discipline that the physical challenge from Thai boxing coupled nicely with the stoic mindset that enabled me to keep my attitude on the right track.
It requires a daily reminder, but I find that not allowing myself to get too high during the victories, as well as not getting too low with the defeats is what keeps that "doubt monster" locked away in its cage.
That's an interesting way to go about developing the discipline and self-awareness needed for that kind of self-regulation.
I like it. You have to have those traits to do any form of martial art or martial play.
I wonder if I can channel that into the gym. I can't have any more concussions (my own "prescription" due to having had many) so anything impact will not be wise for me, but there are plenty of other options!
Absolutely.
Physical exertion is great for honing this. I am a strength and conditioning coach,.as well as an author here on the Substack.
You can still get a long bag and start building up your conditioning and movement. You can practice throwing combinations to punch and kick the bag.
You can set your work to rest ratio with timed intervals. Shoot for a 3 to 1 ratio with 3 minutes of work and 1 minute rest for each interval. This is equivalent to a pro-Muay Thai round.
Set the goal to work up to 3 rounds, then 4, and so on.
Here the bag won't hit back, but you can challenge yourself mentally and physically.
You will feel better for doing it. Trust me.
I endeavor to make it so.