Embracing Limitations vs. Defying Definitions

I believe both perspectives on limits oversimplify the situation.

I enjoy working out, which might seem unusual to some. The satisfaction that comes from a rigorous workout—sweat pouring down, muscles engaged, and a sense of exhilaration—is hard to replicate. Yet, finding that balance between pushing yourself and enjoying the process can be challenging. How do you determine when you’ve found that sweet spot?

Exercise teaches us that pushing our limits can be beneficial. Too often, we allow fatigue to deter us from trying at all. Committing to a fitness regimen guarantees you’ll encounter days when staying in bed seems more appealing. However, even a solid routine can become monotonous. If you push hard in one area today, you’ll need to switch it up next week to continue growing. Consistent variation is essential for progress.

Moreover, overexertion without proper recovery can lead to burnout and injuries. Each individual has their own ideal exercise threshold—a level of exertion that enables gradual expansion of limits. Recognizing when to push harder and when to rest is crucial for growth.

Finding Your Balance

The challenge lies in our potential addiction to routines that no longer serve us. We create patterns that become stifling; comfort can hinder our progress.

Just like in exercise, growth requires a cycle of pushing and recovering. The popular notion that we are limitless often overshadows the reality that we all have boundaries.

Acceptance is vital. Acknowledge aspects of yourself that are unchangeable: your age, height, body type, past experiences, genetics, and health conditions. These are your truths.

Yet, while you must recognize these unchangeable elements, it’s also essential to resist other constraints: your health struggles don’t define you, and your past doesn’t have to dictate your future.

To find your personal sweet spot, push until you reach a challenge and then know when to stop. Your body will provide cues to help you discern when to exert energy and when to dial it back:

• Muscle soreness indicates you’ve pushed adequately; extreme fatigue suggests overexertion.
• Fatigue over several days signals the need for recuperation; lack of sleep impedes recovery.
• Repeated hard efforts necessitate breaks for restoration.
• Persistent low moods may highlight the need for self-care.
• Constant boredom can indicate stagnation; occasional boredom is healthy.
• Triggers to revert to old habits can signal limits being tested, urging you to prioritize self-care.

Society’s conflicting messages about limitations can be overwhelming. To shed light on navigating growth and recognizing your sweet spot, I consulted three friends who are experts in transformation and have faced their recovery journeys.

Stay tuned for part two of this article!

Keep it Real

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This piece was originally published on The Good Men Project.

About Sean Swaby

Sean Swaby writes about mental health, addiction, family matters, leadership, and storytelling. He is an Internationally Certified Clinical Addiction Counselor and a Certified Counselor with the Canadian Psychotherapy and Counseling Association. Discover more of his work at smswaby.wordpress.com and connect on Facebook. Alongside his role as an editor at the Good Men Project, Sean has also contributed to Babble & The Mighty.