Coffeechug #Superbetter Journey Begins

This post is more of a confessional.

For the past year I have been struggling. Struggling to develop a focus. Struggling to take care of my mind and body with proper exercise and nutrition. Struggling with body image and confidence. Struggling to be happy with who I am.

I have not been depressed, but I just have not felt good about myself. It is something that has not stopped me from doing things, but has stopped me from taking things to the next level of high quality work. It has stopped me from getting things done, organizing my thoughts, work, and office. It has stopped me from going after my goals that have sat on a shelf.

I am going public to declare that today it stops.

I just finished reading the book SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal  which has been one of the most powerful reads for me personally this year. A review of the book is coming shortly, but the book came at the perfect moment in my life where her research and message connected with me at a deep level. This book is a book we should all read because everyone can gain something from this book no matter who you are, your age, or what you do.

This book has helped me map out a plan to make myself SuperBetter. It is going to help me take care of myself and reach the goals I have not achieved yet. I have many layers to the quests and epic wins I plan on going after, but the first thing is simply fitness.

I have started and stopped my exercise routine more times than I care to count. It was three years ago that I was taking this big framed body and running sub 20 5K’s, a PR of a half marathon of 1:38, and knocking out two half ironmans. Times have changed. I don’t have 20-30 hours to devote to training because I have more things on my plate(which I love and don’t want to give up), but that does not mean I cannot get back to a state where I am back in shape, running faster, and racing again.

I started off with a marathon training group, but three weeks ago I stopped running while working on the patio. One excuse lead to another until I was back out of shape again. Seriously, look at my running for the month of July!

Today I am giving a laser focus to develop my fitness habits again. After reading SuperBetter and understanding mechanics of the games and how to infuse them into our lives I have taken the first step to get started.

First, I am declaring my goals here publicly. I used to post all workouts. I am not going to do this because nobody cares, but I will be sharing my SuperBetter journey as I work on all aspects of my life.

Second, I developed my training plan to get myself back on track. I had to move my sights to another marathon to give myself proper time to train, but I am not giving up.

Third, I found an app called SquadRunner where I have created a team to battle against other teams in running. I have added a social element to my training to help me stay accountable. I want to beat the other teams and I don’t want to let my teammates down so this will help keep things exciting in a game like format.

Fourth, I will be creating a podcast sharing my journey backed with research. The title I have is, Inside The Mind of Coffeechug As He Battles The Quest of Life. This podcast will infuse my reading, research, projects, guests, and more as I work to hit my goals in life.

Fifth, I am actually excited to make this all work. The last few times it has felt forced and not fun.

Here is my declaration. It is time to make it happen. I am bringing back my mantra, Get It Done! Once I develop this first layer of exercise and nutrition, then I move to the next phases which are even bigger in scope for me.

I hope you follow my journey and create your own. In the meantime, check out SuperBetter, preorder the book, and get ready to make your life better.