Nerves play a huge role in CrossFit….in everything. Some of us are ruled by the butterflies, some like Joel, learn to control them one at at a time, one WOD at a time.

The following is authored by: Joel Lyman

I’m constantly nervous.

All of my recent struggles with my left knee have put me in an odd frame of mind. I am worried. I fear the set-back to all my progress in one poorly formed instant. Fear has taken hold.

One of my trainers was kind enough to remind me that some of my issues may be in my own head. “I see so much hesitation when you are going to squat”, he was kind enough to point out. So we worked on it. I have been practicing a lot of dropping into a squat. Quickly, almost violently I descend. It’s something fearful, something that is uncomfortable in my head, but not my knee. Lo and behold most of the movements are pain free. It made me think of just how important it is that we remind ourselves only of what is possible.

That’s what this is all about, anyways. Mastery of the 3lbs of gray matter can mean the difference between so many of our successes and failures. Our strengths and weaknesses.

In reality, burpees, push ups, Olympic lifts, are all easy when compared to setting aside our self doubt. When the nerves show up, I don’t always win, but I am familiar with them now. Sometimes, when they survive victorious, I hate them. Other times, when I overcome them, I value them like a true friend who will accept nothing less than my best. I am constantly nervous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Practice CrossFit’s Labor Day Bonanza is at “The Ranch” @ 10am. Don’t be a stranger, all are welcome.