Starting Monday, September 18, 2017, we are issuing a NO COMPLAINING Challenge at IA. We are challenging our members to avoid complaining for 1 month. That means in the gym and out of the gym. Here are the details:
THE CHALLENGE
Try to go 1 month without complaining.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1 Sign up: For those who want to participate fully, we will have a sign up sheet at the gym. This will be your way to tell the world that you are trying not to complain for 1 month.
Step 2 Find a Reminder: You need to find an object that you can keep on you at all times. This may be a bracelet, a ring, a lucky coin, whatever you want to you use. This will be your reminder every time you complain. When you complain (and you will) you have to move the object on your body. For example, if using a bracelet, you have to switch wrists every time you complain. If you are using a coin, you have to move the coin from one pocket to another.
That’s it.
WHAT QUALIFIES AS A COMPLAINT
This is hard to define, so we will go with, “You know it when you do it.” Most of the time, complaining is obvious, “I can’t believe how mean my boss is at work.” “I am so tired this week.” “Traffic was so horrible this afternoon.” “Do we really have to do more burpees?” “I thought the WOD didn’t have running. I hate running.”
Generally speaking, it could be anything negative that comes out of your mouth. If you want to get the most out of this challenge, you have to be honest with yourself about your intent. There is a difference between, “It’s 40 degrees outside today, that’s going to be chilly.” Vs. “It’s 40 degrees outside today, I so wish we lived in a warmer climate.”
THE GOAL
The primary goal of this challenge is to raise awareness. We don’t actually expect people to make it 1 month without complaining. We are all humans and complaining is in our DNA.
The psychological principle of “Frequency Illusion” states that you see more of what you focus on. In other words, if I tell you to focus on red cars, you will see more red cars. It’s not because more red cars are on the road, it’s because your mind is looking for red cars.
The same goes for our mindset. If we are constantly complaining, then our minds are set to be negative and we will see more negativity in life. However, if we are aware of our negative mind, and we actively try to be more positive, then we will start to see more positivity in life.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you want to participate fully and would like a “No Complaining” silicon bracelet to use, we will have a limited number at the gym.
Fair warning, IA as a Facility will be participating, so no more complaining while at the gym! The coaches will call you out and there may be a negative consequence.
