Determined Souls

A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop.
Robert Hughes

The segue today is from Mr. Hughes's astute observations on tools in the machine shop to tools that we use in the training and testing lab. Let's start with this: What are you trying to accomplish? Unless you have your goals dialed in and razor sharp, it is very difficult to set the proper GPS coordinates. In other words, without longitude all the latitude in the world isn't going to get you any closer to where you are and where you want to go. Then, you need to make a choice on how you get there. Fly, sail, swim, bike, run.

Is your goal to get fast?

To lose weight?

To add strength?

To win races?

To explore?

To meet people?

To grow and learn?

Is there a self awareness component? Is happiness and challenge part of the equation?

Please, dear VBA, take a look at your choice of tools. Are they the ones best suited to assist you in the pursuit of your objectives? Do you use them properly and to their fullest capabilities? Or are they toys or gadgets?

Here is a quick test: What keeps you coming back? What tools do you use most as you skip down the fitness path? What works for you? Is it an Abs blaster, a celebrity diet, a campy combination of basic training and esoteric martial arts, bikram yoga, liposuction or the Brazilian butt blast? What tools are involved and how do you use them? Can you identify the vast difference between tools, toys, gear and gadgets? What helps and what hinders?

I have said this before and dealt with the resulting heat, but I'll say it again, The bicycle is one of mans greatest inventions. All time. Ever. Indoors it is a GREAT training tool. Outdoors it provides enjoyment, exercise and all the benefits of travel and adventure. It burns no fossil fuels. It is one of the most important tools you can own.

Any determined soul will tell you that.