Repetition and the New Normal

[Lisa Spagnolo]

Over the course of my working life as a manager, I have occasionally heard the question "when are we getting back to normal?" The answer is usually "this is the new normal." Time passes, and whatever change that was met with resistance is often incorporated into routine--until the next changes come, and they come fast these days.

It goes without saying that I'm applying the "new normal" to the first couple weeks of UBBT, where through repetition, I am retraining my brain and body to new habits. My earlybird wake-up time has been fairly consistent, with a couple of judiciously-chosen days off for recovery. Repetition of my upper and lower basics has allowed me to explore variety and nuance: slower repetitions to concentrate on form, faster repetitions to play with response time. Always with a mental correction of some sort: that punch was a little soft; watch your knee; control coming out of your kick; adjust your weight distribution. Repetition means you always get a do-over.

I have observed successes, frustrations, and pain (knees, shoulder muscles--nothing too serious) over the past week. As successes I count increased strength in my push-ups--I started full push-ups this morning--not many, and not beautiful, but a beginning. My endurance is improving through the cardio training. Frustrations include the limitations of time, sometimes stemming from poor planning but also just life, and the irritating voice of doubt this early in the year, which I try to put out of my head as soon as possible. Nutrition could also use some refining, not just because of the holidays but also due to a cheese "issue" that my family knows well.

In all of these areas I am glad for another day, another opportunity, for more repetitions in creating my new normal.

[Lisa Clark]

"Repetition means you always get a do-over." Well said.