"Support those who support you."
Support, as defined (one of many definitions) by Merriam Webster, literally means to keep (something) going. When I take the definition and apply it to my life, I think about all of the support I have around me whether they are people, places, or things. I'm fortunate enough to come from a family who's foundation has always been driven by strength. I was taught from a very young age that struggle makes a person stronger, that over coming obstacles is a huge growing point in life. I learned to lean on my family for SUPPORT , they kept me going during some very rough times (and still do) .Now, think about who, what, and where you look to for support in your life. Is it positive or negative support? While getting SUPPORT are you returning it?
Let's use CrossFit for example. Every day that a CrossFitter shows up to the box they are greeted by people who SUPPORT them, not only during the work out, but through out the day, and through out life. A lot of CrossFit boxes have specific websites to update members about information, and class changes. Where members can post inspiration, articles and other things CrossFit related. I often find that when I am having a rough day, someone will post ATLEAST one thing to change my day around, or even just the way I'm thinking for that moment. The trickle down effect of this is absolutely life changing.
All of us at one point or another had negative support around us, people who hindered our ability to grow, fed on our insecurities, betrayed us, or simply did not understand our passions. We often kept these people around because it was comfortable, and at the time, we could not understand how negatively they were effecting us. Have you ever been doing a WOD and had person come up to you and tell you not to push harder? To give up? Quit? It doesn't happen. How many times have you had a bad day and it's been completely turned around just by going to the box? During your challenges the same people you are competing with are the ones building you up to be better!
How many times at work are the people you are competing with; maybe for a raise, a new job position, or just to be "liked" are actually encouraging you to push harder, to be better? This rarely happens. Most of the time they are trying to belittle you to make themselves seem better. The only way to beat this mentality in every day life, outside the box, is to use the tools we learn at CrossFit in our daily lives. Regardless of what they do, always encourage them to be better versions on themselves, because if CrossFit has taught me one thing it's that wanting people to be the best version of themselves, celebrating in their achievements, and failures, pushing them forward with SUPPORT allows the spectators of these millstones to grow as well.
Surrounding yourself with positive support instead of negative support is a huge factor for success, which ever way that is defined for the individual. Think about how much your life has changed since joining CrossFit. Most people feel happier, more determined, more clear headed, and want to take chances. Mediocre doesn't not suffice anymore when you have a good support system behind you.
Now while having a great support system behind you is vital, making sure you are giving back the same support is important ! Using CrossFit again as an example,think for a second about all the support, and things your coaches do and sacrifice for each member. Some coaches work 6 days a week at the box, some work two jobs, some have families,and some don't even get to work out every day. Not to mention they all have their own responsibilities and things they need to do outside of CrossFit. They support your dreams and goals. Some coaches even drive all over the state (and out of state) to go support members of the box in different competitions. Hell your coaches are probably the first people who helped you start believing in yourself (CrossFit journey wise), then they propel you forward to take even bigger risks in life.
While often times our coaches become our inspiration, people we look up to, our heroes (for many different reasons), at the end of the day they are humans too. They need SUPPORT, people to believe in them, and push them past the walls they set for themselves. A lot of coaches are of the competitive nature, maybe not every single weekend, or maybe just a few times a year. They work very hard to get to that level, to be able to teach proper form, lift heavy and efficiently. MOST coaches started in the same Free Intro Class and On-Ramp program that we all go through. Their journeys although different, are very similar in that aspect.
Next time you have a free weekend I would go check out a competition ( if you are not a competitive CrossFitter) and SUPPORT your Coaches, and fellow CrossFit teammates who support you every day. You don't have to compete to be a part of the team, the side line support is just as important. Competing takes a whole different level of guts, to put yourself out there and compete against some of the best, to step outside of the comfort zone of your own box takes courage, every single time you do it! That needs to be recognized, appreciated, and supported!
Take time to thank you coaches when you hit a PR, get a muscle up, or do your first strict pull-up. Although you are putting in the work to accomplish these goals, you wouldn't have the opportunity to hit those milestones without your coaches. Ask your coaches what there goals are in CrossFit, what PR they are fighting for next, be as concerned and curious about their goals as they are yours. CrossFit is an amazing community, where "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts" (Aristotle), so don't forget to give back equally as much support as you are given (in CrossFit and in life) !
Today I am grateful that I am learning to keep a positive outlook on situations that could easily be viewed negatively. Hopefully with in the next few days I will know exactly what is going on with my injury and recovery can begin taking place. Positive thoughts, positive recovery!
-A
