Happy New Year!
This is the time of year that many people tend to set goals and challenge themselves. Whether it’s trying something new, releasing an unwanted habit or simply practicing a different frame of mind for any aspect of your life, you can benefit from focusing on “finding your edge” with these new strived-for practices.
Finding your edge in life is about pushing yourself to be the best you can be, personally and if appropriate professionally. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you feel challenged, but also capable of meeting those challenges head on. How to find your edge is different for everyone and it can take some trial and error to figure out what works for you. So while giving yourself grace- here are a few tips to get started.
- Know yourself: Take the time to get to know and understand your strengths, weaknesses and passions. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Knowing these things can help you figure out what kind of challenges will serve you best.
- Set goals: Setting goals can help you focus your efforts and give you something to work towards. Make sure they are specific, measurable , achievable, relevant and time bound.
- Take risks: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. You never know what you might discover about yourself or what opportunities might come your way.
- Learn from failure: No one is successful all of the time. When you make mistakes or fail, try to see it as a learning opportunity to figure out what you can do differently next time.
- Surround yourself with supportive people: Having a strong support system can make all the difference when you’re trying to find your edge. Surround yourself with people that inspire you, raise you up, believe in you and are willing to help you achieve your goals.
When it comes to exercise, “finding your edge” is all about finding that sweet spot where you’re still comfortable with the discomfort. Listen to your body. Pay attention to how your body feels during and after your workouts. If you’re feeling out of alignment or any type of pain, it’s time to dial it back a bit. On the other hand, if you’re feeling good and energized, it may be time to increase the intensity or try something new.
So, how do you find your edge with exercise? Here are a few tips:
- Start slowly, focusing on alignment, and then gradually increase by adding weight or intensity. When you’re starting a new exercise routine, it’s important to take it easy and give your body time to adapt. Gradually increasing your intensity over time will help you avoid injury and make progress in a sustainable way.
- Find a balance between different types of exercise. Mixing up your workouts with a variety of activities can help prevent boredom and keep you motivated. It can also help you avoid overuse injuries by working different muscle groups and movements. If you always take barre, try an interval or cycle class or vice versa.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s your Barre teacher, a workout buddy, or a trusted friend or family member, having someone there to support you and give you guidance can be invaluable in finding your edge with exercise.
- Ultimately, finding your edge with exercise is about finding what works best for you and your body. It’s about challenging yourself and pushing your limits, but not at the expense of your health or well-being. By listening to your body and seeking out support when you need it, you can find that sweet spot and make progress in a sustainable and enjoyable way. Challenging yourself and pushing your limits, but not so much that you’re risking injury or burnout. It’s that delicate balance between comfort and discomfort, and it’s different for everyone and can be different each day.
Remember, finding your edge in any aspect of your life is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously challenging yourself to grow as a person. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try new things – that’s how you’ll find out what truly excites and motivates you. Believe in yourself and don’t get discouraged by any little setback – this will allow you to make incremental changes. Each shift is growth and a beautiful gift you’re giving yourself!
Wishing you a happy, healthy and self challenged 2023!
Jill