We all dread it. The inevitable moment in our pole journey where our mojo to train and perserve packs its bags and fucks off on a cheeky little sabbatical. There’s no knowing how long the bugger has gone for, but we want it back pronto. In fact, I’m currently sat here as I type this in my pj’s and dressing gown with Planet Earth Two on the telly, tempted to sack off venturing out into the cold grey outdoors for practice later and instead fashion a fort consisting of snacks and Attenborough.
However, in a bid to summon back my mojo with a sense of urgency, I thought I’d whip up a little blog consisting of three personal tips that I use to get myself motivated enough to get my lazy ass down to the studio:
- Stalk the shit out of your favourite dancers on social media.
If I’m ever feeling like I can’t be arsed to train or am wallowing in self-pity like some sort of pole emo because I’ve plateaued, I head straight to Instagram or YouTube and watch tonnes of videos of some of my fave dancers killing it. This helps me realise just how much I love pole and shows just what can be achieved if I pull my finger out of my arse, get my Pleasers on and practice. Yes the chances of me being the next Cleo are pretty damn slim, but they’ll be non-existent all together if I remain on the sofa eating my body weight in crisps.
- Look back at what you have achieved.
As much as I cannot stand those fucking inspirational quotes that do the rounds on the interwebs, the one “the only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come” is 100 % true when it comes to pole. If you’re feeling like you’re making no progress, go back and look at the moves you were practicing three, six, nine months ago. They’re guaranteed to be a lot simpler than the ones you’re trying to nail now. The more difficult the move is you’re trying to master, the longer it will take you to nail. It’s bloody irritating I know and can wind you up so much you want to order a pair of new legs that actually work on the black market but stick at it. We ALL get there in the end with enough practice.
- Employ your nearest and dearest to give you a good kick up the arse.
Never underestimate the importance of having a good few people in your life who won’t pander to you and will tell you the cold hard truth. There has been many a Sunday where I’ve been due to head to practice but have sat in a strop because I don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere or because there’s a banging film on the TV (I once missed a practice session because Addams Family Values was on. I’m not proud of it, but to be fair it’s a sick film). Best thing you can do in this case is to get whoever you live with, family, friends or partners etc, to give you a good talking to to shake you into action. I’m very lucky in that I have a very supportive partner and the best group of pole sisters who I can count on to drag me to practice.
They’re pretty much the best tips I have for motivating oneself to train when you’re mojo has inconsiderately pissed off. If you have any others, feel free to drop them in the comments below!
PS: Update – Despite being super cosy I made it to practice this evening. Foxen 1 – laziness 0. Booya.
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