Any pursuit to better yourself is huge. Couch to 5K. Huge. Transition from "I haven't so I can't" to "I did this so I bet I can do that"
Thinking about becoming more active lately but don't know where or how to start? "My friend just climbed a mountain last week and I don't even know what The Gorge is". When you compare yourself to others you can easily belittle your own accomplishments. First set of advice, don't do that. Recently I volunteered to help out with a local 5K. My role was simple, set up tents and cones and then cheer on the runners. Watching competitors struggle across the finish line with their triumphant hands in the air as sweat poured down their face and oxygen hurried in and out of their lungs was such a rewarding experience. They were doing it!! They ran their first 5K. That's where you start.
Just get after it. Whatever starting point you're launching from, launch. Take off. Who cares if your coworker just ran a marathon and you can't run around the block. If it's your goal to be more active, start being more active. Sign up for that 5K that's a month away and make it happen. You can do it.
"Start with goals as small as you can imagine and crush them out of the ballpark"
It's a beautiful day outside and you want to get outside in some fashion. Hop on your bike and explore your city. Peddle your way to excellence. Rack up the miles and you'll feel accomplished.
Never been on a hike but have thought a lot about it recently? Do it. Get outside and go for a hike. There are plenty to choose from that require minimal exertion.
Want to try SUPing or kayaking but have no reference point? Get outside and do it and create that reference point. You'll figure it out and create a snowball effect just by doing it for that first time. Your life's going to change.
What you're doing here is breaking the ice. You're transitioning from a mindset of "I haven't so I can't" to "I did this so I bet I can do that". Build up your momentum. Start with goals as small as you can imagine and crush them out of the ballpark. Then up the ante on your goals. Do it in steps and continue climbing the staircase. The first step is the hardest. It can seem daunting when you begin looking at these amazing feats others are accomplishing and make you feel like you're way down on the ladder. The only way to climb up is to start taking steps.
It's important to not always feel the urge to crank your adrenaline level up to 11. If you get your kicks from lounging outside, do that. There's no need to push your comfort zone when you don't feel the need to do so. Kick back, relax, just get outside while you're doing it. You'll notice an improvement in your life when you transition from the couch to the beach or forest. You can still do nothing, just do nothing outside. And when you're ready, do something.
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