It's all about the small milestones and the daily goals which you can achieve, whether it be getting that tenth single leg RDL or being able to get to 40 degrees or being able to sprint across the field without feeling any pain at all. Each small improvement is a step towards the end goal.
For me, keeping track of my daily workouts was the best way for me to see improvement. I used the notes app on my iphone and would keep track of how many sets and reps I would do of different exercises. Wanting to do better than I had done the day before was usually my main motivation.
I also liked to "show off" for my physical therapist. I remember the day when I went out and successfully did 10 single leg RDLs with 25 lb weight while balancing on the bosu ball. Afterwards we laughed about how once I could barely even balance on my bad leg on solid ground and to see how far I had come.
Especially at the beginning - whether it be an ACL or meniscus tear - progress is slow coming. Some of the milestones are expected such as the time when you can bike, jump, run, cut, play soccer...but others are less obvious but just as exciting. For me, being able to finally sit criss-cross-applesauce was a one of these. Another one was being able to walk down the stairs! (Walking up the stairs was manageable but walking down the stairs required some strength in my right quad that took a while to get back again)
Whether its Month 2 and you're still struggling through your squat reps or its Month 7 and you're finally touching a soccer ball again, celebrating the small milesones is what helps you get through the long recovery process. No matter how silly it might be to be patting yourself on the back for being able to straighten your leg all the way, or completing a full stationary bike ride or shuffling between cones, being thankful for how far I'd come and appreciating the small successes is what kept me focused and optimistic along my journey.
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