Month: October 2019

“Transformation literally means going beyond your form.”—Wayne Dryer

Change should be inevitable. Growth is essential. One cannot transform him/herself without change—without growth. Transformation is a process. Perhaps, we can say transformation is the process.

I often refer to the “overload principle”—in order for a body system (or dimension of well-centered fitness, e.g., Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social) to change it has to be challenged to a level greater than that to which is accustomed. We have to go beyond our current form.

I often see promotions of 30-day transformations and the like. While these are well-intended, they are often ill-conceived. Effective transformation (Spiritually, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially, as well as Physically) takes time. The initial growth may seem great and may serve as a boost to one’s morale and self-confidence—­self-efficacy—and this is why these short-term “transformation” promotions are so popular. Once the mind and body settle in to these new lifestyle changes, one is soon likely to face stagnation, plateaus, and a slip back into old habits. (This is why fad diets don’t work.)

Don’t look at change as a short-term endeavor. See change as a progression (rather than as a permanent endeavor). Change should beget change. A change in diet should lead to a change in exercise habit, which should lead to a change in work habits, sleep habits, recreational/leisure habits, etc.

I encourage a “well-centered fitness” approach because change in any dimension will always require a change—i.e., growth—in the other dimensions. At the same time, change in any dimension will facilitate change in the other dimensions. Singularly focused (one-dimensional) change is most always detrimental to the overall wellness. Embrace the process.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

“The secret to winning is constant, consistent management”—Tom Landry

I would add “self-“ to the above quote–“The secret to winning is constant, consistent self-management”. The legendary Tom Landry is, of course, speaking from a team perspective as a coach. Individual sport athletes will benefit, as well, from constant, consistent coaching. Ultimately, though, winning comes down to the best collective or individual effort.

Winning at life—being (extra)ordinary in our life-calling—requires constant, consistent effort.

The secret to achieving our personal goals and being well-centered (Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially) requires constant, consistent self-management. No hacks. No short cuts. No tricks. Nothing but well-placed constant, consistent effort and self-management.

Accountability—to a coach, a mentor, a partner, or a team—is essential to success. Thus, we must create an “environment of excellent” and surround ourselves with a solid “management” team.

Success is not perfection. Rather it is consistency coupled with progression—well-managed “progressive overload” (from an exercise physiology perspective). Success is simply doing your best today and doing better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!