1-2-3 Sundays: Sober Holidays, Systems & Laughing

1 Theme

A Bit Of A Comedown

This week I felt a bit out of sorts.

It's probably down to poor sleep from last weekend in Lille and the change in routine from being off work for a few days.

The build-up to going away was fuelled by excitement. This was take two going to visit a good friend in France. The first one was cancelled at the end of March 2020 (for obvious reasons).

Afterwards, I did feel deflated. I know this feeling is normal. I've experienced it many times after big events, holidays and nights out. It's not permanent either. You begin to feel to normal after a week or so.

My main reflection though is to be grateful it happened and fond of the memories created.  

2 Positive Outcomes

Having A Sober Holiday

At the start of the year, I made myself a promise.

No alcohol until I complete the 50km ultra.

Personally, I find alcohol detrimental to my physical and mental performance. When I'm working towards big goals I want to control and optimise as many variables as I can - removing alcohol is the low-hanging fruit.

This meant going away with the boys and not drinking. A new experience for me.

I don't have a problem with not drinking on nights out because I know there's a bigger game being played.

It felt liberating to wake up without a hangover, grogginess or mental fog.

Strangely, the longer I go without drinking the less I want to have a drink.  

Building Distance

Saturday morning was perfect running conditions.

Clear skies, a few days of no rain and no wind.

I headed for the trails for the first time since Glentress to complete 22km - my biggest run since the Edinburgh marathon last May.

It felt brilliant being out in nature.

We're into long-run territory now.  

3 Things I've Learned

It Only Takes 1 Thing

My gym sessions felt flat this week.

I was turning up but I wasn't turning the f*ck up.

The trails changed that.

The time in nature and being in my head gave me space to think and be present with what was around me.

There was an incredible view across Paisley from the Gleniffer Braes right across to Ben Lomond. Taking it in reminded me of why I'm doing this.

That 1 run was enough to bring my focus back to what I'm working towards. It made me remember who I want to become at the finish line in May.

Consistency always trumps motivation however when a motivational wave comes you might as well ride that thing.  

Your Systems Define The Outcome

Do you find yourself doing something you wish you weren't?

For example, leaving all the laundry for a Sunday ends up in a mad rush to get it clean for the week ahead.

You have the habit engrained in your brain to do it on Sundays but the reality is it isn't working. The cycle repeats itself every week.

It's not the habit that's wrong, the system is faulty.

You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems - James Clear

Redesigning and refining systems will make your life easier.

I've been looking at where I face the most friction across the week and where I can reduce this. Moving cleaning from a Sunday to a Friday night or Saturday is the most obvious one. This allows Sunday to be way more relaxed with time spent on wholesome activities.

What simple changes can you make to improve the systems within your own life?

Laugh

If you're not doing this often enough you'll get miserable.

When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?

Laughter is the foundation of memories.

Do it more.

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