Today I went to the gym to get a cardio workout in on the bike. I brought my heart rate monitor with me. I was completely unaware that the battery on it was low, so I was unprepared for what happened next.
Technical Difficulties
As I started my workout the reading on the heart rate monitor was at 00. I remember thinking “Either that's wrong or I am actually dead as I pedal this bike.”. As I knew I was not dead I set out to fix the problem.
Problems Distract Us
I pulled out my iPhone and did a little research. I tried resynching the monitor with the sensor strap to no avail. I reset the monitor. Nothing worked and that was starting to include my workout. I was not keeping up the pace that I had planned.
Focus for Fierce Intensity
I began to realize that this distraction could destroy my workout time. I took the monitor off my wrist and set it in the tray next to my water. I began to focus on the task at hand.
My mind became consumed with the goal I had set for the session. I noticed an immediate improvement in my workout. My goal was now at the front of my mind. Nothing was going to get in my way.
Redirect Before It Is Too Late
I learned a valuable lesson that I want to pass on to you. When you find yourself going astray, immediately redirect yourself. Do not tolerate the deviation. There is something about a fast correction that keeps the brain on task.
Had I continued to fuss with the distraction I would have completely lost focus. My brain would have prioritized the distraction ahead of my goals.
Habit Forming Focus
If you let something continue it soon becomes a habit. This relates to both positive and negative habits. If your goal is to lose body fat and you fin your nutrition slipping, correct it at once. The longer you wait the less likely it will get fixed. Prioritize your life and the important things will get done.
