As I continued with my new exercise routine, I unexpectedly uncovered a profound truth about my mindset. It all began with a simple choice to start weightlifting with 5-pound dumbbells and doing as many reps as possible. Little did I know that this decision would unravel a dichotomy within myself: the battle between "I can't do it" and "I don't want to do it."
For months, my fitness routine consisted of easy cardio exercises, a comfortable regimen that allowed me to maintain a sense of control. However, as I introduced the modest 5-pound free weights, a revelation struck me like a lightning bolt—I had been living my life with one foot on the gas pedal and another firmly planted on the brake.
The initial choice of 5-pound dumbbells wasn't merely about minimizing the risk of injuries; it was a deliberate effort to uncover the mental barriers that hindered my progress. As I gradually increased the number of reps to 15 per set, and 3 sets per exercise, a peculiar thought began to infiltrate my mind around the 13th rep: "I don't want to do this." It’s so easy to finish a set of 15 reps using 5-pound free weights that anyone can finish it but my subconscious mind was working against me to fall short of reaching my goal of completing 15 reps.
This realization served as a wake-up call, prompting me to scrutinize my daily life. It became evident that many aspects of my existence were shaped more by the resistance of "I don't want to" rather than the limitations of "I can't do it." The simple act of slowing down and setting the bar low allowed me to see my true self—a life time deterrent of "I don't want to."
The revelation extended far beyond the confines of the gym. "I don't want to get out of bed, I don't want to exercise, I don't want to eat vegetables, I don't want to work, I don't want to study"—the "I don't want to" list seemed endless. Acknowledging this internal resistance became the catalyst for change.
Eliminating the pervasive "I don't want to" mentality wasn't an end-all be-all for all my challenges, but it served as a crucial first step. By lowering the barrier to entry for various tasks, I found myself more willing to engage in activities that contribute to my personal growth. It became apparent that the road to self-improvement was full of mental obstacles and overcoming the "I don't want to" mindset was an integral part of the process.
The power of mindset is undeniable. Shifting from "I don’t want to do it" to “I want to do it” provides a wealth of opportunities for personal development. It invites introspection and empowers us to dismantle the mental barriers that impede progress. As I continue my journey, I carry with me the awareness that true transformation often begins by challenging the resistance within—by transforming "I don't want to" into "I want to."