Struggling for motivation - try this!

The humble uniform. For many generations, it has signified to which tribe you belong. Which side you are fighting for and it lets fans identify the team they’re barracking for.

But have you ever thought to stop and think if a uniform could be used as a source of motivation? People have stood behind leaders for thousands of years believing that they were a part of something bigger because of their uniform. Football club players are often heard stating to play for the pride of the clubs Guernsey. And in AFL at least, many a club song proudly reinforces its uniform by reciting the club colours within its fervently sung lyrics. So for probably billions of people on this planet, a uniform is something that unites and ignites passion and thus gives them motivation!

Many people have bought a whole heap of home fitness equipment (usually from a late night TV ad that promises amazing results in as little as six seconds a day!) only to see it become a fantastic place to hang washed clothes on a rainy day. You have heard someone say they would exercise (move) more at home but they don't have the motivation? For me, this is where a uniform has helped. This revelation dawned on me just the other day while I was doing some training at home. For one reason or another, I just wasn't getting into it. I wanted to add some Kata between my working sets to practice my art, but it just didn’t feel authentic. So I donned one of my Gi's, found a belt and got stuck in.

All of a sudden my training became real, it became relevant, and my focus shifted from drifting through movements I have done thousands of times before to being present and focused. My training changed. Everything felt better. The real revelation is that yes, my Kata became more focused but, the other movements I was doing that day also became more focused as they too now had an intention! And as is often said in Martial Arts, your intention (and the intention of your opponent) will determine the outcome. The outcome of the session I was doing was vastly improved. I have now put my Gi on a few more times while training at home and it (I feel) has helped me re-focus my intention in all of those corresponding sessions. Plus, wearing a fourteen-ounce canvas Gi while training in the Queensland summer, certainly, does add a bit more sweat to the equation.

Ok, great story Chaddy! What does that all mean for me? Fair question. If you or someone you know is struggling to get moving, perhaps finding something of a uniform could just be the thing that changes their mindset. Creating more opportunities for movement and adding a focus and intention to each movement session. Hopefully creating a catalyst for helping people reach their health and wellness desires. Your uniform does not have to be a Gi. It can be an old football Guernsey, a netball uniform or find a favourite shirt and signify that as your uniform. If you really want to get funky, get yourself a Kilt (here's a link as to what that may look like) and get moving in that. Note, if you do take the kilt path, please share the videos on Facebook and tag me ;)

Enjoy your movement and as Dale Carnegie said, “people rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they’re doing.”