I’ve never been a flexible person. My hamstrings are tight piano wires and my back often feels 15-20 years older than I do.

Recently I’ve been spending more time stretching during my workouts and I’m seeing positive results. Very. Slow. But. Positive. Results.

Stretching is a good example of a long game. Short term benefits and positive results are only seen in the first week or two, then the improvements slow right down. The stretches don’t get easier, they get harder. And still, the results slow down.

How many things can we put in this ‘long game’ category? I think there are many! Flossing our teeth is example. There is research that suggests this isn’t just good for your teeth and gums, it can extend your life. So why is it so easy to ignore this late at night when you just want to brush your teeth and go to bed? Another example, diets are the quick fix, healthy eating and living is the long game.

I can’t pretend to know the secrets to playing the long game well, if I did, I would be able to touch my toes now, after years of stretching, but I’ve only been focused on stretching for a couple months. And, I’m behind on my goal to be able to do handstands because I hit a plateau and haven’t been as committed.

Part of playing the long game for me is making it public. I need to feel accountable to others, to give myself external motivation, for when the internal motivation just isn’t enough.

So now, it’s time to do 20 minutes of cardio followed by light weights and stretching. Because my healthy living goals are part of a long game.