The Fountain of Youth: How Boring Are You

How Boring Are You

Nobody wants to be thought of as boring. We all would rather be thought of as interesting. Being anything less makes us feel that no one will ever like us.

One of the biggest criticisms of people into a fitness lifestyle is that they are boring. If you have never experienced this type criticism for your diet, supplement routine or workout regularity, you have not been at any of these for all that long. Of course, you could be in a circle of friends who are all keenly attuned to fitness. This would be a stepped down version of the training camp for the Olympics. But, given the sad state the greater part of America, this is highly unlikely.

Interestingly, it is seldom the fit people that really are boring. They tend to be lively, focused and happy. On the other hand, their unfit counterparts are often quite plodding, lethargic and negative. Yet the latter group is the one which does the criticizing. How can this be?

It may be that the criticism is the result of a psychological projection. Because they cannot see that they are the cause of boredom in a social situation, they find a reason to pin it onto others. In other words, the unfit folks are living in denial. But, whatever the actual cause, the fact of the criticism will remain.

Criticism from others, either actual or imagined, is one of the primary reasons for failure at fitness. Hearing something like "That is the same thing that you do everyday that I come in here" can be enough to make one stop going to the club. The same is true for "I'd really appreciate it if you break up your routine a little as I would like to use the machines when I want to for a change." Or, more inventively, "Well, glad you made it; now I know its 5:30."

Typically these types of comments apply to workouts. But, the same types of derogatory comments can occur over dieting and supplementation. Here the arch-critic changes from the person next you at the club to your spouse. "Aren't you ever going to get off this fitness kick so we can have some fun for a change?" Or, "Do you really have to have all those pills every day? You know much they cost, don't you?" Or, "Why can't you just let your hair down once in a while? After all, what are the weekends for?" Clearly, all of these questions are meant to intimidate and modify behavior.

Anyone who wants to be fit needs to expect these types of criticisms from others. They will occur at the club or at home. They will come, and there is nothing that can be done to stop them. But, being prepared will make them easier to take. This is like knowing it may rain even when it is relatively sunny. The best thing then is to simply carry a psychological umbrella , remembering that a little water never killed anyone. The bottom line is to keep them from upsetting your fitness lifestyle.

Of course, if you are both allergic to water and living in a monsoon region, you might consider moving to Arizona (or strongly suggest that your critics do.)

For further thought on being a health nut among the normal majority order my book "Think and Grow Fit." order my book "Think and Grow Fit."

Posted by mark clemens at 2/19/2011 8:58 AM