Your Only Limit Is You!
Limitations:
- A limiting rule or circumstance
- A restriction
- A defect or failing
When it comes to fitness many of you are quick to point out why you CAN’T do something. As a fitness professional with over 20 years in the game, I have encountered countless amounts of people who come up to inform me of their “limitations”. Let me start by saying THANK YOU. For trusting me enough to workout with me and more importantly letting me know what areas may need a little more TLC than others. No matter what we are facing in life: a fitness class, learning to cook differently, taking up a hobby, new language etc. It’s true your only limit is YOU! Allow me to explain.
My Philosophy
As an instructor/trainer, I believe in finding your I CAN! You are a product of what you eat, drink, do and think of yourself. So if you approach the situation with the mindset of Yes, I Can, there are no limits. Of course, you should acknowledge / be aware of any area(s) that needs TLC (tender loving care) so you don’t hurt or exacerbate the situation. Notice, I used positive words instead of restrictions, problem or bad. When you mentally harp on what you can’t do and call your body parts bad or problem, you set yourselves up for failure. Because what you can’t do becomes all that you see for yourself.
Life brings changes to our abilities in general. When you add an injury, operation or health condition to the mix it is understandable to need an adjustment. But when you repeatedly think I can’t, you can miss out on something that is beneficial to your mind, body and soul. Or never realize just how fun something is and how much joy it may bring you.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should just go breaking all the rules in life regarding your health and fitness. If your doctor told you no salt, don’t move a certain way or gave you any other life supporting directive, I highly recommend you listen. However hearing, don’t do this or that should not mean well I can’t do anything. It should not limit you from exploring, experiencing, learning and growing at what you can do.
Shi Shi Kan
Instead of throwing up your hands in disgust, acknowledge where you are and then embrace what you can do. Bottom line: You should be willing to try. When I was training students in Taiwan how to teach yoga, I learned the Chinese phrase “Shi Shi Kan”. It’s what I would tell the students after I explained a pose and then asked them to do it. It translates: Try, Try, See.
Sometimes you just have to try and see! That’s how you figure out what works as well as what doesn’t. You’ll be surprised by what your body and mind can accomplish if you take your time and explore the possibilities. Having to slow down or make an adjustment is not an indication of what you can’t do, it speaks volumes to what you can do. It also helps to have a support team plus an instructor/trainer who is patient and willing to help you reach your goal(s), all within your I Can.
So, no matter what your thing is, your goal, your desire to accomplish or an activity to participate in, remember this:
“Your Only Limit Is You so Shi Shi Kan”
Taj Harris
