Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A poor substitute for a real life


Introducing the Pierini DIET here

An internet fitness forum I visit had an interesting topic that began with someone asking a question if obsession is the key to success. My internet fitness friend asking this question commented that he gets results when he becomes almost obsessed with a thing. He further added that it seems those who become obsessed with something, to the exclusion of nearly everything else, are the only ones who seem to have something to show for their time.

The topic discussion continued when this person shared that this question applied to his fitness because his interest in working out seems to “wax and wane”. He asked another question of what if we could predict or even regulate those peaks and valleys by choosing a period of time to stay focused on a particular area, and learn to make that our designated obsession.

Never shy of expressing my thoughts about anything and everything under the sun, I believe it is an all-or-nothing mindset that sabotages our fitness training during busy times. I've written about this self-defeating mindset before. It's the mindset that if I can't do the whole darn workout then I won't do anything at all, and contributes to continuing fitness erosion during the busy times when life gets in the way of our training.

Embracing the something is better than nothing mindset solves the problem. Everyone has time for five minutes of fitness training. Something is better than nothing.

I prefer the words desire or zeal rather than obsession with regard to success, both measured of course for sustainability.

Another fitness brother from a different mother added his perspective that drove home a point with me, sharing that he’s known individuals who were really obsessed with fitness or a given sport performance to the point where their obsession was taking precedence over the rest of their life and family. While acknowledging that their obsession sometimes gives them spectacular results, it will also eventually lead them to being on the “injured list” sooner or later.

As he once told a young judoka, a top prize in competition is a poor substitute for a real life.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum

1 comment:

Brian said...

For what it is worth, I agree with you. Frankly, I'm surprised. I always picked you as an "all or nothing" sort of fellow.

Something beats nothing.

No goal should over-shadow a well-balanced life.

I'm an extremist when it comes to moderation. :-)

Brian