One. Is it a big number or a small one? It depends on the context in which it is being used and the circumstances surrounding that context. Because, even in the same context, “one” can mean vastly different things.
In a sports competition, to be number one would seem to be the goal—unless you are the first one eliminated. When it comes to the mighty dollar, one does not seem like a very grand amount, unless that dollar puts you over the top of your goal.
In a medical emergency, one minute could mean life or death. If you are going into surgery in one minute, that time comes so quickly; if you are in pain during that minute, it seems like an eternity.
Drop an object into a still body of water and it will create a ripple effect that multiplies and reaches far beyond its origin. This is the “Power of One” in fitness. Yet, even in fitness, the circumstances surrounding “one” will vary the outcome. Today, let me focus that power on you.
Believe in the “Power of One” and use it to your advantage. I challenge you to do this each day for a month. Each day, plan one thing that you will do to be physically active above your normal day-to-day activity. At the end of thirty days, you will have put in a month of extra movement, one day at a time. You might have a setback and miss a day, and that’s ok. You are not a loser! What happens next matters.
Remember, I said that circumstances will vary the outcome. You have the power to let that day stand alone, or you can choose to miss one more, and then another. Like a superhero in movies, your power can also work against you but never forget that it is yours to control. Get back in the game and do just one day of moving, then one more, and then keep taking it one day at a time.
Here is the exciting thing, the “Power of One” can be utilized in multiple ways at once. Does that mean it is your superpower? It can be. Once you get on a roll with it, you could take it up a notch. Do a movement that challenges you, one that builds strength. It may be difficult at first and you may need to build up to complete just one set. But once you get there, be sure to celebrate that win and then make a goal to complete one set more.
Then, you could even add a pound more of weight—just one—but that single pound can begin to feel heavier as the reps increase. Funny how that “Power of One” works. Then, one day, you will find that you are doing the workout, but it does not feel as much like work as before. That is not because the workout changed and became easier, it’s because you changed and became stronger, one rep at a time.
One last thing for you to try. I want you to take a deep breath right now and become laser-focused on envisioning yourself six months from now, when you have completed six months of moving each day for your health.
You did it! Six months of daily accomplishments that were sometimes hard, but you did them, one day at a time. How confident do you feel? How strong do you feel? How powerful do you feel?
You have the “Power of One.” Use your power for good. Use your power for you. Tomorrow is day one!
Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via [email protected] or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.