Get in the Game

If you have been around sport or even watched a little bit of sport in your time you would be very familiar with the saying, 'get in the game'. If you aren't familiar with the saying just think of it as prompting you to get involved; do something or in true Aussie slang, have a go mate. I'm going to use the term a little differently but with the end result hopefully being that you start getting involved in your own game of life. Now life can be serious and we can take life pretty serious at times but I think to achieve more from our efforts we need to lighten up.

If you are having difficulty getting into the exercise/activity thing well don't fret you're not alone. But it doesn't mean it's OK, you need activity I'm sorry. Without it you play Russian roulette with your health and well being. What I suggest is, make up games or scenarios that juice you to take action. Create a game that compels you to try and win. This will motivate you to take consistent action to win the game. It may be a few of you having a distance running comp. It may be a weight loss game. It could be a race or a competitive shoot out at a certain date. It doesn't matter what it is just as long as you are keen to win or at least have a damn good shot at it.

A recent conversation with a body builder highlighted this point to me. He has a body fat percentage of 8% which is phenomenal. But for his competitions he gets down to a body fat percentage level of 2 or 3%. But he even admits he could never ever possibly get down that low except for competitions. That is his game, his motivating force. That is an extreme example of motivation but the principle stays the same.

To get in the game I've put together these four steps to guide you.
1. Create - Find something that captures you and you would love to commit to for 8 or 12 weeks. It must excite you and set a reward or a prize at the end of the game for you to strive for.
2. Enjoy - Have fun doing it. If it isn't fun your enthusiasm and motivation will not be high enough.
3. Want - You must want success. Be hungry and desperate to succeed or win. Bring your competitive side out. Again this will keep you motivated.
4. Reward - Claim the prize and reward yourself for the great effort you have put in. We move towards pleasure and away from pain so it is important to feel the pleasure of the reward.