"Lay each brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid"

I have noticed a change in my philosophy over the years, and especially within the last few months at CFW. When I first started CrossFit I didn't want to embarrass myself or be last. I went as fast as I possibly could but was sacrificing full range of motion and proper technique because my ego couldn't stand the thought of not being "good" at it. The result was a dramatic improvement on my times but in reality I was cheating myself a bit. In most cases we are our own worst enemy. We sabotage ourselves, we don't allow or want to give 100% into something in fear of failure. We often times are most focused on just getting through or finishing something that we forget to take a look at the quality of work we are doing.

"You don't set out to build a wall, you don't start there. You say, I am going to lay each brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid... and if you do that everyday sooner or later you have a wall." - Will Smith

I made a conscious effort to start laying each brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.... and in CrossFit terms that meant doing each rep as perfectly as a rep can be done. Of course we are all human and it is impossible to be perfect, but if you strive for perfection 100% of the time and end up at 80% you are still far better off than not striving for perfection at all. We are all works in progress and have unlimited potential. The only thing that limits us in this life is our own mind, our thoughts and our perception of ourselves. With goal setting it is important that you set two goals, one being the long term, big picture goal and the other being smaller goals and benchmarks along the way to make sure that you are on the right track and keeping motivated along the way through little victories that build confidence.

You can apply this to anything in life, especially nutrition. When overhauling your entire lifestyle it is important that you try to follow the same philosophy. "Paleo" might seem a little overwhelming at first, no one really likes change right? How overwhelming was CrossFit when you first started, how difficult was your first Hero WOD? You think you can't do something, but you surprise yourself every time if you just go for it. But you don't set out to build a wall. If you break down your 30 day challenge into weeks, then further break those weeks down into days and take those days and break them down into meals you will find you only have to worry about one meal at a time. Sooner or later you will be laying each brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid, or making every meal as nutritious as a meal can be made.

We are coming into the second week of the 30 day Challenge and you should start to feel a little more "normal". Your energy levels should start to level out, become consistent throughout the day and you should begin to notice some improvements on your WODs. Keep up the good work, the hardest part is behind you and the rewards are just around the corner.