Word: sticktoitiveness
Part of Speech: n
Definition: dogged perseverance; resolute tenacity; also written stick-to-it-ive-ness
Example: The only way to improve your snatch is through stick-to-it-ive-ness.
Etymology: 1909
As constantly varied as CrossFit can be, an athlete has to become proficient in upwards of 50+ movements, ranging from gymnastics to olympic lifts. Those of you who are geeking out and counting them in your head, FOCUS. It is daunting for the beginner, who struggles with the kip swing, getting below parallel, and trying to figure out what the hell a lumbar curve is and why does my coach keep yelling that at me?! It’s also infuriating for a veteran CFer who PRs in his back squat one day and can’t even get close to his max the next week. Or to one who gets her muscle up one day and loses her handstand push up the next.
I seriously think that CrossFit has a built-in ego check that just doesn’t let our accomplishments get to our heads. I’m also convinced that what draws us to CrossFit is not just the physical brutality of the WODs, but the mental challenge as well. We fight off that inner demon, attack our goats, and forge on through the frustration, because what’s waiting on the other side is that intense gratification of knowing that your stick-to-it-ive-ness elevated you to another level of fitness; that your envelope has been pushed that much further; and that YOU have accomplished yet another goal that you set for yourself.
As coaches, we have the luxury of seeing many of you progress from Day 1′s Baseline WOD to achieving milestones in CrossFit, doubling–and even tripling–PRs. We have seen your stick-to-it-ive-ness pay off in leaps and bounds. Go pull your folder from the file box and take a look at your first benchmark WOD, deadlift, and back squat. Realize for yourselves how far you’ve come already and remember that the next time you start to feel the frustration of a missed lift get you down.
Pat yourselves on the back (just once) and go enjoy a moderate cheat meal (if you must)!
Alrighty CrossFit, I’m back and ready for the pain! I’m gonna stick to it every single day until I move back to Westwood for Fall! I have a little extra padding as a result of kiwi hospitality and lack of gym, but I’m so keen to hit the WOD tomorrow. So keen to take Scott down in a MetCon! Its back on buddy!