Benefits of having a partner, or team.

This topic is not exclusive to fitness, health, and wellness, however, that's the space we're in, so we'll keep it relative. Please feel free to apply this in other areas of your life as you see fit. The "Why" Research (HBR, and Gallup) has shown that having a friend, or partner involved in the same activities, improves the likeliness of the projects not only getting completed, however, also being regarded as more enjoyable. This makes sense, right? Think back to the past when you had taken on projects, or tasks that you were nervous, or anxious about. However, having a good friend, or acquaintance to partake would improve your perception of taking these on, and reduce the negative emotions you had been experiencing. One of these times could have been prior to attending the gym, going on a run, or trying a new fitness class out. Having another person to experience these activities with has such a profound impact, that in many instances, it could lead the result of continuing on, and ultimately achieving a desired outcome, or foregoing the task, resulting in dissatisfaction with ones self, and lack of accomplishment. I'll provide an example from a recent experience. I had set up a particular date, and time with a good friend to go running at a mutually favorite location. We agreed on running three, maybe four miles, however ended up running just over seven miles.

How did this happen? I can speak from my own perspective at that time. When the running experience presented its challenges, I looked to my side and was quickly reminded that I was not in it alone; I had someone to share the experience with. In addition, we agreed to keep going past the four mile mark, this was a direct result of positive influence on one another; we agreed to keep pushing our limits. To be entirely transparent, I had been off my running routine for several weeks, and knowing that I would have someone to do this with was a tremendous boost to get myself back on track.

How It's challenging at times to engender the "just get it done" mindset when you're on your own; never impossible, only challenging. If you're having issues getting started on a new project due to anxiety, nervousness, or fear, grab a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor, and involve them. This could be your way to pierce that barrier preventing you from starting. Now go, and push those boundaries.