Your Attitude toward your workouts plays a big role in how they turn out.  Whether you are taking a leisurely stroll around the block or focusing on an intense HIIT session, making the most of the activities is a matter of choice. Exercise framed in a positive light creates positive learning and is more conducive to bringing you back to that exercise. Makes sense, right?

This does not mean that we can’t have a bad day. What we do with that bad day is what makes all the difference.

Sour Puss Doesn’t Win the Day

I have been exercising out-of-doors as an adult for over 30 years, so I have observed many fellow exercise crazies as we encounter each other on the roads and trails. Years ago, the folks I ran into were either a hardcore wannabe with an inflated sense of self-importance, an experienced rookie like me just out for the learning and enjoyment of the sport, or the hesitant novice, unsure but having fun.

Perhaps it is a reflection or indictment of our current societal values but a new type player has emerged in recent years. The angry person with an entitled attitude. Their fear presents as the bully of the path whose behaviors demonstrate that 1) they don’t know what they are doing and 2) they are a menace to those around them.

So, a non-collaborative attitude fails to make the day’s exercise a constructive event.

What’s with the Winning Attitude?

Living is what we do with Life.

When engaging these folks with problems, bring your positive attitude to bear and show them an alternative to what they know. I often use a self-deprecating form of humor to diffuse tension and ignore the argument that the other person is trying so desperately to have. If I am the butt of the joke I am telling, it is harder to conduct a fight.

These days we are far too focused on being right and the other guy being wrong, that we are missing out on a lot of fun. There is humor in a lot of things but if you are always strictly focused on defense of your ideas, you’ll miss out on a lot of living.

Attitude Has What to Do with My Workout?

I invite you to join me in finding the fun in exercise. It won’t come out to greet you but it will welcome you when you arrive.

Think creatively and don’t take things too seriously.

As we exercise, there are just so many things that just happen to us. Encounters with local canines, missed goal, flat tire, pulled muscle, just an “off” day – anything can happen. They even happen to elite athletes who actually get paid to train and compete. (If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely not one of these folks either, so let’s keep this real.)

When you are out, find things to enjoy about the workout. I witness an abundance of gorgeous views of sunsets, wide vistas, and colorful flora every year. Each experience is momentary and fleeting but all make for a richer experience of Life.

Besides, your attitude can affect your performance in some very real ways.

To visit the grumpy people topic again, when you encounter them in your travels, wave and smile. They may not return the gesture and that is okay. You are here to ride your own race and part of a good race is the comradery of the participants.

Besides, they may see you having fun and choose to use you as a role model. Lots of things change during a workout. Maybe even an Attitude.

Chaotic people often have chaotic lives, and I think they create that. But if you try and have an inner peace and a positive attitude, I think you attract that.
– Imelda Staunton