Internalization
Many times we internalize what others think of us and project on us. A classic example is the tale of the ‘Ugly Duckling’. For a long time, it internalized that it was an ‘Ugly Duckling’. Ultimately, the ‘Ugly duckling’ learns that it is neither ‘Ugly’ nor a ‘Duckling’. Until that moment of realization, it had lived in accordance to the labels others had thrust on it. Internalization of others’ labels hides our true selves and we do not see the reality staring at us.
What labels are you internalizing and living with now?
“When people tell you that you’re less-than and that you don’t matter and that you’re inferior, you internalize some of that.” – Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General and Author of Together
Activity Adequacy Mindset
My mother feels that she had a good workout if she climbed the stairs to the terrace five times a day, while I don’t feel satisfied even after a 4KM run. A recent conversation with someone made me realize the importance of feeling adequate about one’s physical activity. This led me to learn about Activity Adequacy Mindset (AAM), which impacts health and well-being regardless of the actual physical activity. It is essential to consider how one perceives their level of exercise for good health. Feeling good after a 3KM walk is better than feeling inadequate even after a 10 KM biking.
“The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen” – Unknown
Paralympics
The 2024 Paralympics event has gained everyone’s attention. The grit, determination, and remarkable athletic performances have challenged our limiting beliefs about what humans can achieve despite setbacks. One fascinating story is the coach-and-athlete relationship between Ukranian coach Nikitin Yevhen and the Indian athlete Sharad Kumar. The war had separated Sharad from training in proximity to his coach Nikitin. However, the coach continued to support Sharad through the video calls. As a coach, I had two takeaways from this:
1) A strong coaching relationship can handle any setbacks
2) The coach despite his own personal challenges was still able to inspire and support his athlete’s his success.
Being a para-sport coach can be daunting, and complex. A coach like Nikitin brings a more human understanding of disability when working with para-athletes.
“His guidance is always with me. All the time I am in touch with him, every day.” – Sharad Kumar, Paralympic silver medalist about his coach Nikitin