Author: armstrong.wou@gmail.com

“What is genius but the power of expressing a new individuality?”—Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Who are we if we are not an individual?  One must embrace his or her own genius and accept one’s self for the impact he or she is intended to have on the world.

Likewise, we must accept the individuality of others.  Of course, there is a place for conformity in a society, but only the extent to which it prevents lawlessness.  In general, however, diversity is in the truest sense individuals being themselves—not, in my opinion, the broad categorization of people.

Teaching exercise science, the thought of individuality comes to mind often.  I teach it in regards to the dynamic systems model of behavior—i.e., that behavior is driven by the interaction between the characteristics of the individual, the environment, and the task at hand.  The applications, however, are quite broad.  We cannot, therefore, affect others positively without, as Stephen R. Covey suggested, seeking “first to understand, then to be understood”.  This is something that is seriously lacking in our society.  We, instead, demand that other conform to us, rather than finding the common ground.

The principle of individuality defies the categorization of people.  From education to the gym, we need to get away from the one-size-fits-all mentality.  Everyone has different needs that are not always well served by such an approach.

One discouraging trend I see in fitness is the “workout of the day” or “WOD”.  The idea that a group of individuals can show up and be given a common workout that will meet their needs and abilities goes contrary to all the I teach.  Sure, we can convince people that they all have the same goals (usually six-pack abs, of course), but not everyone needs—or wants—the same things.  “Personal fitness” is no longer personalized.

Likewise, education has become increasingly homogenized.  At universities, we provide degrees to what academics perceive the job opportunities to be rather than training future jobs creators.  Degrees include restrictive curriculum that serves more the faculty position rather than the greater society needs.  Degrees lack flexibility and creativity.  Often degree programs can go decades without change when technology and knowledge changes seemingly daily.  As a result, students conform and make their way through a black-and-white degree plan just because they are told they need a degree.  The question at graduation, then, is “What do I do next?”  Instead, I am of the mindset that we need to educate students to have the ambition coming up through K-12 to demand: “This is what I want to do.  Prepare me for it!”  This is educating to the principle of individuality.  Instead, we get: “I am kinda interested in ______.  What classes to I have to take to graduate?”  Our children deserve better.

Relationally, we seek a mate who shares our interests, rather than the person who completes us.  Relationships wither and die because we “outgrow each other” or “he/she has changed.”  News flash: your partner (and you/me) should change.  If your partner has outgrown you, what the heck have the two of you been doing?  Or should I say “not been doing”?

“Couple” serves as a noun or a verb.  In the verb sense, a couple combines to become united—not like 1 + 1 = 2, rather like 1 + 1 > 2.

I embrace the differences between my wife and me—and there are many.  Sure, I annoy her and she (only occasionally, of course) annoys me from time to time, but it is the principle of individuality that allows us to grow together—as a unite and as individuals.

In all things, we need to embrace the power of the individual.  One can say that we a stronger united, but, in that unity, each much bring his/her own unique strengths and giftedness to the collective whole. 

Be your unique best today; make a better tomorrow.  Carpe momento!

We Americans have an obsession with abs—i.e., abdominal muscles for all the world to see.  I tell people that “I have a six-pack, but it is in a soft cooler.”  I am all for healthy lean.  In fact, I am in the final weeks of a quest to shed some body fat.  I don’t discount the effort of body builders and physique/bikini competitors who work hard and sacrifice to show.  I know few, however, who maintain the “shred” for long after competition.  Fewer still, who will tell you it is a healthy and fun lifestyle.

One’s priority should first be health.  Obesity is out of control in the United States.  Excess—dare I say “excessive”—fat is the norm.  Obesity is not a healthy option.  Diabetes and heart disease and a plethora of hypokinetic diseases are not in the best interest of the individual or the nation.

Why is it that a nation so fixated on six-pack abs is for overweight?  Is our fatness such a bad thing?

There is a healthy medium to be had here.  First, be physically active.  Exercise and be capable of moving to an extent that allows for a wide range of leisure-time activities.  A little fat?  So, what?

If you want to be on the lean side?  Go for it!  Work the muscles.  Eat a healthy diet.  Be active.

Don’t mind being a little chubby or, like me, your genes don’t favor you being “shredded”.  Enjoy!  Work the muscles.  Eat a healthy diet.  Be active.

Of the health-related component of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and body composition), body composition—within reasonable limits—is the least important.   I like food—in moderation.  I also like looking reasonably fit.  Looking fit does not have to mean one can crack walnuts on my stomach.  It does mean the absence of “Dunlap’s disease” (where your belly done lap over your belt).

Be fit and comfortable with your body.  Don’t obsess.  Don’t live life with dangerous food issues.  Seek health, first.  Healthy is sexy.

What should your (healthy) body fat percentage be?

Be your best today; be better tomorrow!  Carpe momento!

When did the expression “it’s a dog’s life become a negative”?  As I understand the idiom, it means to have a hard and miserable life.  It, apparently, originated in the 16^th century to refer to the life the working dog.  I don’t know, the life of the dog seems pretty darn good.

There is a video circulating on social media of a yellow lab puppy enjoying life to fullest—playing in snow, rolling in leaves, and playing like labs play.  I have two yellow Labrador retrievers: Pete just celebrated his 16^th birthday, and Skye will be two in a couple week.  At 16, Pete doesn’t do much, but he is still a happy dog.  Skye is a spaz, but loveable, nonetheless.  Like most labs, they are carefree.

A dog’s life?  It seems pretty good to me.  Do I wish I was a dog?  Of course, not.  But, there is much to learn from the dog’s life.

Dogs love unconditionally.

Dogs love to play.

Dogs are chill.  They are content to just hang out with the family.

Dogs are social.  The long to see their “master” return.

Dogs are carefree.  They trust that they will be fed and cared for.

Dogs don’t hesitate to protect the ones they love.

Dogs are happy.

Like in the video, dogs live life to the fullest.  Why don’t we?

Carpe momento!

Any time we get an opportunity to take a break, what do we do?  I trust that we do what most everyone does—we pull out our phone.  We check e-mail, Facebook, Twitter,…, or launch a game. It is a distraction.  It is a habit.  It is a wasted opportunity.

Every time we fill our down time with mindless screen time, we miss an opportunity to take a “productive pause”—to hit the reset and gather our focus.  I am guilty.  We are all guilty.  It is time to break the habit of the smartphone.

Now, there is not anything wrong with using our technology.  It is fine to check e-mail periodically.  I enjoy checking in with my friends on Facebook.  Spider Solitaire can help me regain my focus on occasion.  We just need a little less of it.  (For some, maybe a lot less of it!)

It is easy to get in the habit of being so busy that we don’t know how to slow down.  When there is a break, it is not difficult to extend the time by getting caught up in the drama of social media, the frustration of not getting three stars for wasting green pigs, or being compelled to answer that one e-mail.  Instead, we just need to resist the temptation.  Skip the “i” time and take some “me” time.  Just take a few minutes to close your eyes and embrace your thoughts.  Escape for the moment and just breathe.  Relax.  Meditate.  Reflect.  Visualize. 

I confess, this isn’t easy.  It takes some effort for me to stop.  My throttle gets stuck, I want to just keep going.  Unfortunately, the 5-minute break that could have refreshed me turns into 30 minutes of wasted time that I can’t get back.

The devices that are intended to make us more productive actually lessen our productivity.  They deceive us into thinking we are getting more done (and perhaps we are), but, in reality, we are doing so at the cost of our well-being.  I, for one, need a break.  I don’t subscribe to a total fast from technology.  I just want to use my technology to better my life and capitalize on the freedom it does give me.

Why take a break from my work by turning from my computer to my tablet or phone?  It is better that I take a 15-minute productive pause to reflect, meditate, pray, or otherwise recharge.  It is better that I talk to my wife or children.  It is better that I drag my kids away from the TV or electronics to play catch.  It is better that I take the dog for a walk.  It is just better that I put the electronics aside just a few times a day to pause.  Who is with me?

“Carpe momento” is not followed by “…to check e-mail” or “…scroll Facebook”.  It means: “grab on to every opportunity”.

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“Don’t go to the grave with life unused.”—Bobby Bowden

We have become quite dependent upon batteries.  Our phones, computers, tablets, etc. all have batteries that have some level of usable “life”.  We hope we can get all be can out of them while the day is still young.  Fortunately, these batteries are rechargeable.

Life is like a battery (and a box of chocolates, apparently).  We need to pause from time to time to recharge, but we want to get as much out of it as possible.  Coach Bowden is absolutely correct.  We should not go to the grave “with life unused”.  Since we don’t know when that we be, we have to live in the moment and use it all up.

Like our lithium batteries, we want to get productive use out of our charge (i.e., life).  I don’t want to use up my phone battery playing Angry Birds and find I don’t have the battery life when I need it—e.g., for an important call.

How are we using life? Are we getting all we can out of it?  Are we using it to create memories with our loved ones, to do creative things, to have an impact on the world, …, or are we wasting it on the things that matter little?

I am brief in my writing, today.  I hope the point is made in few words.  It my hope that we will take the opportunity to spend the time with others.  To be grateful and live life to the full.

Carpe momento!

“As a young person, you have not even begun to realize your potential.  You are searching for those things that you enjoy and can do well.  In the process, try many things.  One of the many gifts my parents gave me was to expose me to a variety of activities as a child.  I learned to try the foods of different cultures, to appreciate the arts, to be physically active, and to enjoy the outdoors.  Thanks to my parents, I am as comfortable in a suit and tie as I am in shorts and a t-shirt.  I am as at home in the city as I am in the country.  I can enjoy the assortment of tastes, and appreciate the diversity among God’s people.  I can tap into both sides of my brain, and I can enjoy the theater or art museum as much as a good football game.

I remember fondly Saturdays in the fall as a child.  Mornings were spent at Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh at art classes.  Dad would pick me up, and I would change into my football uniform in the car in the Liberty Tunnel on my way to my Little League game.  I became neither a world-renowned artist nor an NFL football star (nor was I necessarily a high school standout), but I learned about myself and grew as a person.

As an educator, I appreciate the value of a liberal education in an age when we are becoming increasingly specialized.  I’ve been told that we (Ph.D.s) learn more and more about less and less until we know all there is about absolutely nothing.  This should not be the case.  Yes, develop your greatest gifts, but also find interests on the side that will make you a well-rounded person.  And, when you find those things that interest you, do them with all your heart.  Be passionate about everything you do.  If you take this approach, you will succeed.

You will battle with self-doubt.  We all do.  You will hear from people that you lack the capacity to succeed.  You will be told that you are inadequate and that you are not suited for the task at hand.  Don’t listen to these people!!  Turn your back to them and seek out those who will be supportive.  When you can’t find supportive people, don’t worry.  Remember that God is in your corner, and you can Trust in yourself.  You can, and you will.

Your greatest enemy is self-doubt.  Remember the Armstrong motto: Invictus Maneo—”I remain unvanquished.”  Only you can determine your success or failure.

I may be beginning to sound like I am telling you that will always be capable of doing anything at anytime.  I am not at all implying that you can do everything at this moment.  You can do anything that you determine to devote yourself to doing.  If you told me that you wanted to climb Mount Everest, I would support you.  Would I encourage you to book the next flight to Tibet?  Absolutely not!  Most anything you do will require significant preparation and time.  In the process of accomplishing your goal, you will undoubtedly face setbacks and disappointments.  But with continued effort—and proper preparation—you will succeed.  To run a marathon begins with one step.  As you train and prepare, you grow and adapt.  You become more and more suited to your goal.”—Lessons for Liam

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”—Dr. Seuss

Be your best (you) today; be better tomorrow.  The most that anyone can ask of you is that you be authentic.  Be who you are and on the path to discovering who you are to become.  Time, people, and circumstances shape us.  Today, be the best you!  Let no one tell you to be anything else.

We are all unique and have a purpose.  No one else can fulfill my purpose.  No one can fulfill your purpose.  Be (extra)ordinary!  Dr. Seuss said it best.  Now, carpe momento!

“Man is made or unmade by himself. By the right choice he ascends. As a being of power, intelligence, and love, and the lord of his own thoughts, he holds the key to every situation.”—James Allen

I am coming realize that nearly everything in life comes with a choice.  We may not always have a choice in our circumstances, but we always have a choice in how we respond to our circumstances.  One is, indeed, “made or unmade” by one’s choices.

Every morning begins with the decision to start the day with a positive or negative attitude.  One’s attitude does shape one’s attitude, after all.

Apparently, the ancient Romans considered it bad luck to get out of bed on the left side. If you got up on that wrong side, you were fated to have a bad day.  (Superstition, of course—besides, which is the left side? Facing the front of the bed or from the supine position?  Either way, either my wife or I would always be fated to be in a bad mood.  I sleep on the right side, so….)

I do think there is some underlying truth to this idiom, however.  While it doesn’t matter whether we get out of bed on the right side or the left side (or play it safe and crawl out at the foot of the bed), there is a decision to be made in how we set our pattern for the day.  I know that if I am not careful, it is quite easy to slip into negativity from the very onset of the day.  Personally, I need to be careful and stick to my morning growth routine.  I need to rise early, set my goals for the day, reflect on my mission and values, consider the “opportunities” that the day presents, and, preferably, exercise.  This all occurs before the rest of the family gets up.  Once the kids are up, and we are rushing to get them dressed, fed, and on the school bus, the challenge to keep cool intensifies.  Then, of course, there is the challenge of getting myself through the commute without halting my positive momentum.  Every step of the way, though, is a choice.  My daughter’s decision to spend too long in the shower and the inevitable challenge of picking out clean clothes presents a decision on my part.  If I choose to get upset and yell (which I, unfortunately, often do), that is on me.  Of course, one impulsive decision need not permanently disrupt the day.  It is a choice one makes to rebound and stay on a positive path.  Someone cuts us off?  The line between road rage and a peaceful drive is a choice.

The decisions we make tend to be compounding.  Choose to “get up on the wrong side of the bed”?  You are more likely to continue to make the choices that sour the day.  Choose to get up on the “right” side of the bed?  Minor disruptions are less likely to redirect our course.

It is freeing revelation to know that we are “lord of (our) own thoughts” and “hold the key to every situation”.  With this, however, comes responsibility.  There is no one upon whom to place blame other than on one’s self.

Today is an opportunity to have an awesome day.  Carpe momento!

“The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won’t.”—Henry Ward Beecher

At times in life we feel like we are not progressing.  When we do, we must ask ourselves “why?” Is it because we just haven’t pushed long and hard enough in the right direction?  Or is because we are resisting the forces that are guiding us in another direction?

Those who persevere will ultimately succeed.  Or, at least, as George Eliot wrote, “failure after long perseverance is much grander than never to have a striving good enough to be called a failure.”  Effort in the direction of (extra)ordinary success is always more rewarding than to never have tried at all.

One who is obstinate is the wrong kind of stubborn.  Pigheaded is not the same as tenacious.  Perhaps the line is fine, but the one who is pigheaded resists progress.  The tenacious one drives progress.  Obstinacy holds its ground.  Perseverance moves mountains.

I can be a bit of both.  Growth favors the person who can move his or her stubbornness from obstinacy to perseverance.  The difference is in drive versus resistance.  Ground may not be gained or lost, but the underlying attitude shows itself.

Anyone who knows me knows I am stubborn.  I quick look at Thesaurus reveals a diversity of synonyms for “stubborn”.  Categorically, these run the spectrum from persistent to obstinate.  Those synonyms that I would classify as positive include determined and tenacious.  Fixed, pigheaded, inflexible, mulish, headstrong, and wrongheaded fit the obstinate category.  Synonyms such as adamant and unmoved are circumstantial.  When circumstances require, it is good that one be adamant and unmoved—reasonably so.  Moral fortitude is a worthy trait.

Emotional well-centeredness requires that we know when to push and when to stand.  Strong-willed is well-centered.  Strong won’t never serves progression.

I hope I am learning the difference.  I hope I am less bullheaded than I have been in the past.  I also hope that I am confident enough to believe in myself and my path.  I hope I am assured enough to persist toward my goals and to resist the forces that seek to oppose me on my path.  I am confident that I have the wisdom to know “will” versus “won’t”.  Persistence will always defeat obstinacy. 

Be your best today—persist—and be better tomorrow.

Image source: http://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/18/photos-womens-wrestling-at-rio-2016-olympics/

“I don’t think limits.”—Usain Bolt

I don’t want to be constrained.  Following yesterday’s post, I am not in the mood to be told I can’t do something.  I have doubt enough on my own without being infected by someone else’s short-sightedness.  Limits are a mindset. We decide our limits.  No doubt nature might try to constrain us, and maybe there are, indeed, limits to the Universe—if we expend the energy to push toward them.  In all likelihood, however, we will never come close to the limits of what is possible.

Keep pushing.  Keep moving forward.  Let the Universe prove its limits.

Let no one tell you that you can’t do something.  Push for the why, and you will learn that they have created false limits.  Others are stymied by fear and insecurity.  Not you!

Whatever your hand finds to do, today, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10).  “Leave it all in this room.”

Carpe momento!

Image: http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160610-it-took-centuries-but-we-now-know-the-size-of-the-universe