This article will make more sense if you have read the first two of the series. If you have not done this yet, please take a moment to read Part 1(CLICK HERE) and Part 2(CLICK HERE) of the invisible body building series before you go any further! 

With a significant amount of excitement, I bring you the final part of this series. 

Adaptation & Managing Expectations

In the previous two articles, I wrote about testing your limits and then how to start building up the muscles of your invisible body. These are foundational steps that are needed before you move into the phases of adaptation and managing one's expectations. 

I am finding that in my journey of building up and focusing on my invisible bodies health, that this process is a long, arduous process that few are willing to hone in. Those who choose to take action and build up their invisible bodies can and probably will at times be torn down by the cynicism of those who are made uncomfortable by this. Do not be surprised if people around you feel obligated to deliver criticism into your life through the avenue of unsolicited advice. Do not let this deter you, rather consider what is said but keep moving forward towards your goals. 

Please know that there are many other methods, reasons, and factors that take place in this process of invisible body building. Trial and error will most likely occur, and it is pertinent that you learn to roll with the punches. You are responsible for yourself. So if something isn't working for you and you have a different idea of how to help your invisible bodies health do it!  
   
So this leads us to the final steps. The following points I feel are some good last strides to take as your journey continues. 

Adaptation. 

Adaptation is something I know I struggle with often. You see, I am a bit strong willed so when I say I am going to take action or that a certain method is the best way I stick to my guns regardless of logic and reason. Being inflexible is a weakness I possess and that I am addressing. 

So you may be asking what does it look like to be adaptable in the process of working towards being an invisible body builder? Well here are a couple of points on this train of thought. 

- Assessing reality.
I know for myself that when I initially set goals and start taking action reality sets in quickly. I either find out I do not have the needed skills to acquire my aim, or the desired outcome is just outright unrealistic. I have found it is pertinent to be able to assess the current reality and asking one's self why something is not working out. It is entirely okay to discover that you have unrealistic expectations or that an unforeseen issue has occurred. It is NOT okay to hold yourself to obtain that which is impossible. So logic and reason are necessary for this process. For example, say you want to do 1000 push-ups a day, but you quickly realize you can only do ten currently. This assessment of reality allows you two options, to either condemn yourself or figure out a different way to get to your desired outcome. 

- Alteration of goals.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking action towards a dream and realizing that it was unrealistic or ludicrous. IF this happens to you steer clear of self-condemnation because it benefits no one. Also, give yourself a break you are merely human just like everyone who surrounds you. Goal setting is an art form that few have perfected. It is okay to realize you do not have the skills or resources to take appropriate action; this allows you the opportunity to alter and modify your goals. 

Maybe instead of saying you are going to eat healthy for the rest of your life start with eating a healthy meal once a week and just doing some basic research on the topic. Or instead of running a million miles a day start with running a mile once a week. 

Lastly, when altering your goals make sure you are not doing so out of laziness. Do not change anything if you are just looking for a way out of working at life. This is important to consider as you will be sabotaging that which you are trying to build. 

- Self-awareness
This final part of adaptation is of the utmost importance. You need to be aware of yourself. Maybe you thought you could read five books a week, but observing and testing yourself you find out you can only read two then this allows you to realize a tangible step/goal would be to get up to three books a week. Know yourself and how you operate throughout your life because it is a constant journey so to adapt to life and adjust the goals you have it is necessary to know how you tick. 

Managing Expectations.

When working on strengthening and developing your invisible body, it is of vital importance that you manage your expectations. Reaching a goal can be incredibly challenging, and if you are human like I am expectations play a significant role in your life. 

So how does one go about navigating the internal and external world of expectation? Well here are my thoughts.

- Focus.
In the process of your journey and working on managing expectations take time to hone in and ask yourself what your expectations are. Naturally, discovering what expectations you have, will diffuse unhealthy ones as you realize how ridiculous they are. 

- Motives.
Do you know your why? Are you trying to impress a girl with your bank account? Trying to make your parents proud of you? Or just simply want a change in life? Or are your motives from your dreams?

Figuring out why you want something will help you significantly. For example, maybe you want to become a professional mountain biker not because this has always been your dream but because you want your family to recognize and love you. Maybe you want to have the highest sales in the company not because you are trying to save up for a long term goal but merely because you despise the other sales people in your business and you are trying to dominate them.  

Know your motives, and this will help defuse unhealthy expectations. 

- Ask.
Asking a friend, colleague, or mentor if the expectations you have for yourself will give you necessary feedback that can and will help you adjust appropriately.  Doing this allows you to get outside of your head and get reliable input from others if your expectations are realistic or not. 

I am so glad you have taken the time to read through this series of invisible body building. I hope that it will be a tool that you use on your journey of life. If you found something beneficial, profound, or inspiring, please comment or send me an email! I love hearing other peoples thoughts, and I am consistently on this journey of learning. 

I hope you find happiness in life! 

Cheers.

Timothy