From Roadblocks to Resilience: A Physical Therapist's Journey to Overcoming Fitness Challenges and Achieving Confidence
In a world fueled by the instant gratification showcased on social media, the pressure to achieve immediate results can be overwhelming. We're bombarded with videos and posts depicting success stories, showcasing the highlight reels, but seldom do we witness the grueling journey that precedes triumph. It's a narrative that can evoke a sense of dread, leaving you questioning whether you're doing enough. The unspoken reality is that the road to success, especially for athletes and individuals in rehabilitation, is often fraught with roadblocks and moments of self-doubt. The constant pursuit of perfection can lead to a daunting question: if the results aren't instantaneous, why bother?
January especially on social media is adorned with resolutions and tales of transformation and success. The pressure to align with prevailing trends and emulate other people's resolutions intensifies, fostering a sense of inadequacy in both our goals and our bodies. The pursuit of health and fitness, particularly in the wake of the New Year, can inadvertently spawn feelings of unworthiness as we navigate our own personal journey against the meticulously curated narratives on our screens. It's crucial to recognize that the path to success is unique for each individual and extends far beyond the confines of fleeting trends and societal expectations.
Embarking on my own Resolutions, or as I prefer to call them, Intentions for the New Year, has proven to be a daunting challenge. Rewind with me to November 2023, and I had set an intention to kick-start my health journey BEFORE 2024 started. I was doing "okay" with it, but then wound up with a nasty sinus infection, and a few personal challenges in the last few weeks of 2023. I was derailed. 2024 came rolling in, and I still had some lingering sinus infection, and then Dallas was hit with our "winter." This summer girl went into hibernation, and any motivation to continue that health journey hit a full on road block!
To make matters more challenging, last week was "Ditch your Resolution Week," and here I was not having even started. Social media left me feeling more than inadequate. I share this candidly because I understand the overwhelming pressure that many of my patients face. As your dedicated Physical Therapist, consider me your unwavering cheerleader. Regardless of my personal struggles, my commitment to motivate and support you in your rehabilitation and fitness journeys remains steadfast. Yet, these initial weeks struck a chord, resonating deeply with the very challenges I recognize my patients struggle with.
Read on, as I delve into The Road Block, The Detour, and The Imposter Syndrome facing all of us as we navigate physical therapy and our fitness and wellness journeys.
The Road Block
Just like in my own journey, many of us encounter roadblocks in our pursuit of physical therapy and fitness. In my case, a sinus infection, the demands of the holiday season, personal challenges, and the unwelcome arrival of "winter" threw up orange cone barriers on my path. Suddenly, I found myself staring at this imposing roadblock, hesitating to find a detour and allowing it to sap my motivation.
It's a scenario I witness regularly with my athlete patients who grapple with a familiar roadblock – an injury that sidelines them from the game. Questions linger: How long are they going to have to sit at that road block? And then pain associated with movements can also alter their performance, also leaving them stuck at this challenging juncture.
Similar sentiments echo in the experiences of my day-to-day patients who confront a shared roadblock. The fear of movement, often due to surgery or an injury, becomes a barrier. There's uncertainty about how to modify movements safely, leading to a stagnant pause. It's as if we all collectively decide to stop and gaze at the orange cone barriers, hoping for an easier path. However, the reality is that none of us move any closer to our final destination by adopting this approach.
The Detour
Navigating the detour requires a strategic approach to find our way around the roadblocks. In my personal journey it's been taking the shorter pathways, knowing they will eventually lead me back to the main road on my health and fitness destination. I don't like going slow, I know my body and mind can do more. But I'm going to have to meet this road block where it is, and work myself around. It may be small steps, but it's not my infinite roadway.
Lao Tzu wisely said: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
A sentiment that resonates with the detours my athletes encounter. Being pulled from competition due to injury acts as the ultimate Orange Cone STOP! The detour pathways may seem unappealing, and the destination unclear on when you may be back on the road to competing and playing again. As a Physical Therapist, I see two pathways. The athlete, can carve their own trail- an unpredictable, rocky off-road journey filled with pits and uneven bumps. It's a hectic ride and they may eventually get to the main road, or they may break down all together. The alternative involves placing trust in their guides (Physical Therapist, medical staff) who provide a clear pathway, support, and a route to recovery. It's a journey, but by following their guide, they eventually make it back to the main road, resuming their journey in competition.
Similarly, I've witnessed many day-to-day patients hit a roadblock and come to a complete stop. Attempting a detour on their own, they often give up when faced with challenges. They settle on this new road, claiming it as their new life/pathway. It's at this point that, as a PT, I shift into overdrive. I venture off the beaten path to pull them back in. Stalling isn't an option; together, we work towards rejoining the main road. The irony isn't lost on me that I drive a 4-Runner, one that's navigated off-road terrain and handled a fair share of towing—perhaps a fitting analogy for the journey we undertake together. Haha.
Entering the Realm of Imposter Syndrome
As we navigate the twists and turns of our health and fitness journeys, there's a third barrier that looms large: Imposter Syndrome. The comparison game and the fear of judgment based on our current physical state can cast a shadow on our next steps. Imposter Syndrome thrives in an environment where we feel scrutinized, where our efforts seem insignificant compared to the perceived achievements of others.
As a Physical Therapist, I've witnessed firsthand how this psychological hurdle can undermine the progress of individuals striving to reclaim their health. The pressure to measure up to societal ideals or the accomplishments of others can breed self-doubt, making it difficult to celebrate the small victories and advancements we make along the way.
Adding to the complexities of my recent "break," Imposter Syndrome crept into my mindset, stalling my motivation. In the quiet moments, I found myself questioning my place in spaces I once confidently inhabited. It's perplexing how the same person who has devoted 19 years to developing countless fitness and rehab plans for patients could be ensnared by Imposter Syndrome.
For me, walking into a new gym or returning to a familiar Pilates Studio became a daunting task. The hesitation and lack of confidence were unexpected, revealing the pervasive nature of Imposter Syndrome that can touch us all. It's a reminder that, from time to time, we grapple with self-doubt, irrespective of our experience or achievements.
Entering a new fitness environment, whether it's an unfamiliar gym or a space where you've honed your skills for years, can be intimidating. The fear of not knowing "what to do" or the realization that your workouts must be temporarily modified due to an injury or pain adds another layer of uncertainty. Yet, from personal experience, I've learned that the only way to dispel Imposter Syndrome and regain confidence is to start where you are.
I find it disheartning that those that attend fitness classes, or workout in a gym regularly, shame all of the new faces in the new year. Taking that initial step into a fitness class or a gym is an accomplishment in and of itself, surpassing about 30% of Americans over 50 that claim they get 0 minutes of physical activity on a weekly basis. We need to celebrate the LOVE of Movement and Fitness for ALL! Recognizing that each person and body type embraces their own unique approach to fitness.
As Mel Robbins' daughter wisely noted, "Embracing the role of a beginner doesn't make you an imposter." Meet yourself where you are and take those first steps on your journey – you are undeniably good enough. The path to well-being is uniquely yours, and the celebration begins with the commitment to movement and fitness, regardless of where you are in your journey. Let's celebrate that shared commitment to a healthier and more confident version of ourselves.
After all, the only person we should be comparing ourselves to is the person we were yesterday.
Kristen McGregory-Hair, PT
Physical Therapist
A native Texan passionate about empowering people through movement, I've been a Physical Therapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2004. My passion is to help patients not only recover from injury but also take control of their health and live active lives. I believe in patient education and strive to ensure everyone understands their condition, treatment options, and how to manage their well-being. This Blog , along with Moveology Physical Therapy & Wellness’ Newsletter , is my way to share knowledge and inspire a wider community to embrace an active lifestyle.
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