“Unless you continually work, evolve, and innovate, you’ll learn a quick and painful lesson from someone who has.”—Cael Sanderson
Lou Holtz said: “Nothing on this earth is standing still. It’s either growing or it’s dying. No matter if it’s a tree or a human being.” Similarly, “You’re either growing or dying. Stagnation does not exist in the universe.” (Steve Siebold). So, one has a choice—grow or die. Better is how Penn State Wrestling Coach Cael Sanderson states it. We have to be continually working, evolving, and innovating, if we want to success—to be (extra)ordinary.
The other day, I addressed Jordan Burrough’s suggestion that “You can’t do the same things you’ve always done and improve.” Someone else is always working to improve.
“Be your best today, be better tomorrow” is intended less as a formula for winning than as a formula for living. Well-centered fitness (striving for balance and continual Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social growth) is a lifestyle. The goal is to “continually work, evolve, and innovate” for the benefit of oneself and others.
We live for others and better ourselves to fulfill our Purpose, but we also better ourselves to be the best (albeit the best “me”). Beyond being our best, we desire to be the best. There is nothing wrong with this. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV). This verse doesn’t “in some things”. The implication is “in all things” give it your all. Never stop growing! Ecclesiastes 9:10 continues: “for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” In other words, “you’re either growing or dying”.
Great wrestlers study their opponents. They learn what the preferred move is in any given situation. Lesser wrestlers will have there go-to move. Unfortunate for them, the better wrestler is ready—they have a counter or an attack in mind. The best wrestlers adapt. They have drilled extensively and can draw on a range of moves in a variety of circumstances. They prepared, continually grow their technique, and are willing to take risks. If not, they lose.
Life is ever-changing. We must, too, be continually working, evolving, and innovating. Otherwise, we will “learn a quick and painful lesson from someone who has.”
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!