A Good One

One of our regulars, a charter member, operates a very successful conflict resolution center.  Over the years I came to recognize in him a rare commodity commonly known as wisdom. I say rare for two reasons, one is that in our current frenzied, superficial and short attention spanned society, anyone demonstrating a deep understanding of reality is a hero in my book, and two because most wisdom these days is dummied down to pithy memes on one of the social media sites. So it is a rare occurrence when one has the fortune to mix it up with someone in firm possession of this deep a grasp.

I get trapped in this net all the time. What I think I know, on any subject, for today let's focus on one, motivation, is constantly challenged by updated data, new research, professional testimony, or actual user experiences. I am constantly amazed at how a simple spin of accepted information, as a strategy, tactic or goal, can be so humbling and inspiring. We all know, as an example, that perfection is not the best goal to seek in training or, well, pretty much everything, not so much because it is impossible but because it can beat one to senselessness and toss them from the getaway car leaving them in the ditch bloodied and bruised. Instead we strive for the more tolerant, measurable and supportive "continual improvement' concept. Taking this ride we feel the wind in our hair and reach for the volume slider. It is more joy-ride than getaway.

What then is the secret? This point is addressed most eloquently in Greg's post. The checklist of why, how, what and when, is poignant and precise. His take on getting outside of our comfort zones hums like a well tuned 350 short block. I use this one regularly in spin class, where motivation as entertainment is important, but leave it to the acumen of the individual in the PowerBarn. If you don't get it now, continue on, one day you will. And if you get it now, work it towards improvement.

Motivation is tricky. Not enough and one quits, too much and one burns out, so we seek relentlessly any affirming or validating opinion on its use.

This was a good one, thanks Greg.