Absolutely!
As much as we all buy into the idea of success being linked to hard work and the proper application of sound principles, there is also an unquestionable amount of luck, or perhaps a better word would be randomness.
Hard work and the proper application of sound principles, increase the probability of success, but randomness can create challenges even in these instances, especially if the expectation is unrealistic. What I mean by an unrealistic expectation, usually has to do with comparing your results to someone else's, particularly someone who has achieved very significant results, but who you may perceive is not applying sound principles.
Your expectation then may be that your sound approach will yield vastly superior results.
A prime example of this is exercise, in which the variance in results varies dramatically between different individuals.
The randomness of genetic potential is immense, and some people are very muscular who don't even do exercise, or who perform exercise which is sub optimal, or even counterproductive.
Arthur Jones, the inventor of Nautilus strength training machines said something to the effect that a true ectomorph will not appear muscular even with 20 years of training, and that a true mesomorph will appear muscular even if totally untrained.
Genetics however, can seem like a bit too much of a convenient explanation (albeit accurate in most cases) for why someone achieves enviable results despite what appear to be sub optimal methods.
Results come from progressively overloading muscles, proper nutrition and adequate rest and recovery.
Another aspect of proper exercise is safety meaning that it should not produce either an acute injury or long term wear and tear to joints, ligaments, tendons, or even hurt someone's overall health in the long term by over stressing the body repeatedly over time.
However, another aspect of randomness other than genetics is survivor bias. In other words, the Olympic gold medallist who appears to have done everything right, (he won the gold medal!) may be one of a thousand people who followed similar methods, and the only one who did not suffer a career ending injury as a result, either through sheer luck or again, being genetically gifted to take on the abuse. (Although many athletes pay a high price later in life because of the very methods that allegedly helped them to achieve their peak performance.)
The science suggests strongly that most athletes do far too much overall exercise than what is needed or optimal. (note here, that I'm referring to conditioning, not skill mastery, which inevitably does require hours upon hours of proper practice)
However, when someone does a large volume of exercise, much of it, is by necessity, going to be of low intensity. So critics of high volume will cite overtraining as a likely result, but in fact, if the volume exerciser is doing most of his exercise at a low intensity then he may not be taxing his recovery ability enough to make a significant difference.
Assuming that on occasion, that person attempts a maximum or near maximum effort, then from the sheer volume of exericse, he happens by chance to actually stimulate his muscles to grow, and because he does it only occasionally, he does in fact avoid overtraining.
He will then conclude that his results are due to the many hours he spends exercising, when in fact, his results may only come from less than 5% of what he is doing, and the other 95% is irrelevant or may be even holding him back from getting even better results, but obviously the other 95% is not enough to actually prevent the results.
I'm using exercise as an example, but in fact the oft quoted Pareto's rule (the 20/80 rule) is at work here, and in fact probably in many cases is more of a 5/95 rule, where a very small part of what we do in any endeavour is responsible for the vast majority of our results.
Interestingly, sometimes the perfect can be the enemy of the good. Other people refine the adatation stimulus to such potency that there may be very little margin for error in the proper dosage. Intensity in exercise is akin to the potency of a drug. If a drug's potency is relatively low, then whether you take 30 or 45 ml of a cold remedy may be fairly irrelevant, but if the potency is high, then the diffence between optimum and toxic may be very small. So going back to the 5/95 principle, if you discover the 5% that is most effective, and you choose to focus primarily if not exclusively on that 5%, you may achieve amazing results but if you are overly zealous, you may do more harm than good, and be left wondering why your optimal methods did not produce the superior results to the individual who appears to you to be wasting countless hours of irrelevant or counterproductive effort.
Sometimes, you are just at the right place at the right time, or born to the right parents, or try so many things, that sooner or later, you stumble on something that works...(the harder I work, the luckier I get?)...
In the end, the point of this blog, is that we should be weary of "learning from other people's success" or comparing ourselves to others in general. We need to consider anecdotal evidence, but we need to consider it very critically and jump to conclusions very slowly. We also need to always think for ourselves, and not give undue credit to "experts".
Remember, exercise, in this case is being used to exemplify principles that apply to all natural systems, whether it be having a successful harvest, having a strong relationship or building a successful business.
Best to all, and thanks for reading!
Jan 28, 2011
Jan 25, 2011
Most recent workout. Click on title for great link.
20 rep "breathing" leg presses
dumbells shoulder presses
Nautilus low back.
Did 24 reps with 310 lbs. Not bad for a 52 year old who does less than 20 minutes of weekly exercise.
Are you wasting time, wearing out your body or getting injured for no good reason?
dumbells shoulder presses
Nautilus low back.
Did 24 reps with 310 lbs. Not bad for a 52 year old who does less than 20 minutes of weekly exercise.
Are you wasting time, wearing out your body or getting injured for no good reason?
Jan 22, 2011
Integrity.... part 3
In my last entries, I've talked about the physical, and the mental aspects of being integrated, and with short blog entries, it is impossible to do anything but piece meal it, as I believe there are too many aspects, so for today, rather than move on the the social and philosophical, as I mentioned in my last entry, I will refer to the interdependent nature of each aspect, and how, failing to recognize this interdependence, and so, focusing on any one or two aspects to the exclusion of others, is doomed to failure, or at best, a mediocre result.
In a previous post, entitled, "He who is Good with a Hammer, thinks that Everything is a Nail", I talked about how people who have had success with any one aspect tend to attach too much importance to their particular area of focus, and assume that they can attribute their results to this, when in fact, they may be creating a desired result because of many other aspects they are not even aware of, and even, in many cases despite what they think is giving them success. (nothing fails like success.) For more on this, I suggest the book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.
What I will do is take each aspect and give an example of why its absence, will limit if not completely undo the good done by the others.
Physical: If we are sleep deprived and as a result our neurotransmitters/hormones are off, (serrotonin, dopamine, melatonin) then our moods will be seriously affected, and our resolve to reach our goals will be seriously undermined. If we eat wrong, and with just one example, produce too much insulin, this can cause, obesity, inflammation, etc. etc., and all the best intentions in the world will not change this. If we have allowed our muscles to atrophy, whether in combination with the above (sleep or nutrition) or not, we will find our energy low, be more prone to injury and again, we will limit our results. Conversely, if we do too much or the wrong type of "fitness activities" (too much and the wrong type are the norm), then we can actually break down our body, and do far more harm than good. (In fact, tragically, the saving grace for most people when it comes to the current state of exercise, is that they don't stick too it long enough to experience acute or chronic injury.) On the physical side, of course, I'm not even mentioning how the use of drugs, alcohol, and other poor lifestyle choices can make any success impossible, but again, even getting off drugs, for example and actually transitioning to a balanced life is multifactorial and cannot be achieved simplistically. Not being physically "integrated" will undo our best efforts despite having all the knowledge or philosophy below.
Mental: If we don't research and discover the knowledge that we need to reach a fitness goal, acquire a certain skill, succeed in a certain area of business or have fulfilling relationships, we will make "innocent" mistakes, and fall short again and again. This again, will occur, as we will not even be aware of the need and the methods to achieve the physical above and the philosophical below.
Philosophical/spiritual: We must take the time to scrupulously choose our values, and in so doing, acknowledge the supremacy of objective reason, recognize our worthy purpose (achieving happiness) and develop the self-esteem that makes us see the justice of earning the rewards that we properly seek for ourselves and our loved ones. If we don't, we will be constantly held back by self-doubt, "like a ball and chain, where our mind's wings should have grown" (quote by Ayn Rand) Therefore, even if we have the physical and the mental, lacking the philosophical base will also hold us back.
Social/Emotional: A truly integrated person does not "need" other people, but recognizes that his life is enhanced by being able to share his journey with people with whom he shares basic values. He does not see any other person as "saving" him from a life of loneliness, and he does not feel dependent on anyone, nor is he attracted to someone who is "needy" looking for someone else to prop them up. Having said that, without someone to share their life with, while being able to achieve happiness, they will fall short of the ultimate that life can bring, and while the other three aspects, will still allow a person to live a truly happy life, it will fall short of the enrichment that the social aspect can bring.
So, like a garden, which objectively needs to have water, seeds, fertilizer, sunshine, shelter from frost, as well as having weeds removed, etc., what must be recognized, to be truly "integrated" (to have integrity), is that it is not so much a matter of one aspect such as water being the "secret" ingredient to a great harvest, but rather to recognize that we need it all (and in the proper balance) and that is not easy, but, there is no getting around it. There is no quick fix. The sooner we accept that, the more we are on our way. Scott Peck.... said "Life is hard, once we recognize that, it gets easier."
In the end, my purpose in writing this, is because of my own experience (mistakes) and seeing people with truly great intentions set out with strategies and worthy goals, that I know because of the exclusion of certain parts of the above, will end in frustration, and then they possibly resign themselves to "settling" for a "pretty good life", which is a tragedy, when a proper "integrated" strategy can really lead them to a "HEROic" life.
In a previous post, entitled, "He who is Good with a Hammer, thinks that Everything is a Nail", I talked about how people who have had success with any one aspect tend to attach too much importance to their particular area of focus, and assume that they can attribute their results to this, when in fact, they may be creating a desired result because of many other aspects they are not even aware of, and even, in many cases despite what they think is giving them success. (nothing fails like success.) For more on this, I suggest the book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.
What I will do is take each aspect and give an example of why its absence, will limit if not completely undo the good done by the others.
Physical: If we are sleep deprived and as a result our neurotransmitters/hormones are off, (serrotonin, dopamine, melatonin) then our moods will be seriously affected, and our resolve to reach our goals will be seriously undermined. If we eat wrong, and with just one example, produce too much insulin, this can cause, obesity, inflammation, etc. etc., and all the best intentions in the world will not change this. If we have allowed our muscles to atrophy, whether in combination with the above (sleep or nutrition) or not, we will find our energy low, be more prone to injury and again, we will limit our results. Conversely, if we do too much or the wrong type of "fitness activities" (too much and the wrong type are the norm), then we can actually break down our body, and do far more harm than good. (In fact, tragically, the saving grace for most people when it comes to the current state of exercise, is that they don't stick too it long enough to experience acute or chronic injury.) On the physical side, of course, I'm not even mentioning how the use of drugs, alcohol, and other poor lifestyle choices can make any success impossible, but again, even getting off drugs, for example and actually transitioning to a balanced life is multifactorial and cannot be achieved simplistically. Not being physically "integrated" will undo our best efforts despite having all the knowledge or philosophy below.
Mental: If we don't research and discover the knowledge that we need to reach a fitness goal, acquire a certain skill, succeed in a certain area of business or have fulfilling relationships, we will make "innocent" mistakes, and fall short again and again. This again, will occur, as we will not even be aware of the need and the methods to achieve the physical above and the philosophical below.
Philosophical/spiritual: We must take the time to scrupulously choose our values, and in so doing, acknowledge the supremacy of objective reason, recognize our worthy purpose (achieving happiness) and develop the self-esteem that makes us see the justice of earning the rewards that we properly seek for ourselves and our loved ones. If we don't, we will be constantly held back by self-doubt, "like a ball and chain, where our mind's wings should have grown" (quote by Ayn Rand) Therefore, even if we have the physical and the mental, lacking the philosophical base will also hold us back.
Social/Emotional: A truly integrated person does not "need" other people, but recognizes that his life is enhanced by being able to share his journey with people with whom he shares basic values. He does not see any other person as "saving" him from a life of loneliness, and he does not feel dependent on anyone, nor is he attracted to someone who is "needy" looking for someone else to prop them up. Having said that, without someone to share their life with, while being able to achieve happiness, they will fall short of the ultimate that life can bring, and while the other three aspects, will still allow a person to live a truly happy life, it will fall short of the enrichment that the social aspect can bring.
So, like a garden, which objectively needs to have water, seeds, fertilizer, sunshine, shelter from frost, as well as having weeds removed, etc., what must be recognized, to be truly "integrated" (to have integrity), is that it is not so much a matter of one aspect such as water being the "secret" ingredient to a great harvest, but rather to recognize that we need it all (and in the proper balance) and that is not easy, but, there is no getting around it. There is no quick fix. The sooner we accept that, the more we are on our way. Scott Peck.... said "Life is hard, once we recognize that, it gets easier."
In the end, my purpose in writing this, is because of my own experience (mistakes) and seeing people with truly great intentions set out with strategies and worthy goals, that I know because of the exclusion of certain parts of the above, will end in frustration, and then they possibly resign themselves to "settling" for a "pretty good life", which is a tragedy, when a proper "integrated" strategy can really lead them to a "HEROic" life.
Jan 1, 2011
Integrity (continued)
So far I've touched on how integrity is about making and keeping promises/commitments you make to yourself. I've also said that achieving this is a process of "integrating" ourselves physically, mentally, philosophically/(spiritually) and socially.
Last blog, I touched on the physical aspect which is foundational because if we are sleep deprived, malnourished, (under, over or poor choices) or unfit (from too little or too much activity) our results on the other aspects will be limited, or non-existent.
Arguably some would say with a great deal of validity that philosophy should be the foundation as, determining out purpose in life would be the starting point but in fact all aspects are interdependent as any one missing will often undo the good of the others.
For now I will touch on the mental. Reading/learning is to the mind what proper physical care is to the body. Always seek to discover knowledge and weigh it against what you think you already know so that you don't stagnate.
Two quotes I like are
"The most important things we learn are those things we learn after we think we know everything."
The other one, from a scientist, is, "50% of what we think we know is wrong, we just don't know which 50%."
When we read we should always think critically and not simply accept what the writer tells us.
For now, I will recommend books/websites on the physical aspect that I spoke of in the last blog. It is a great place to start as doing the physical wrong, as is all too likely with the misinformation that is rampant in this area will be counterproductive to achieving the goal of integrity.
On a side note, simply cultivating these habits as with the formation of any good habits, will make it that much easier to form habits in other areas of our lives.
The sources I recommend not only give valuable information but do so in a fashion that requires you to think critically and not just take their word for it.
Body by Science by Doug McGuff and John Little. Bodybyscience.net
renaissanceexercise.com
garytaubes.com and his books, Good Calories, Bad Calories and Why We Get Fat, and What to do About it.
Already too long of a post, see you soon to discuss, the philosphical and social aspects, of being "integrated".
Last blog, I touched on the physical aspect which is foundational because if we are sleep deprived, malnourished, (under, over or poor choices) or unfit (from too little or too much activity) our results on the other aspects will be limited, or non-existent.
Arguably some would say with a great deal of validity that philosophy should be the foundation as, determining out purpose in life would be the starting point but in fact all aspects are interdependent as any one missing will often undo the good of the others.
For now I will touch on the mental. Reading/learning is to the mind what proper physical care is to the body. Always seek to discover knowledge and weigh it against what you think you already know so that you don't stagnate.
Two quotes I like are
"The most important things we learn are those things we learn after we think we know everything."
The other one, from a scientist, is, "50% of what we think we know is wrong, we just don't know which 50%."
When we read we should always think critically and not simply accept what the writer tells us.
For now, I will recommend books/websites on the physical aspect that I spoke of in the last blog. It is a great place to start as doing the physical wrong, as is all too likely with the misinformation that is rampant in this area will be counterproductive to achieving the goal of integrity.
On a side note, simply cultivating these habits as with the formation of any good habits, will make it that much easier to form habits in other areas of our lives.
The sources I recommend not only give valuable information but do so in a fashion that requires you to think critically and not just take their word for it.
Body by Science by Doug McGuff and John Little. Bodybyscience.net
renaissanceexercise.com
garytaubes.com and his books, Good Calories, Bad Calories and Why We Get Fat, and What to do About it.
Already too long of a post, see you soon to discuss, the philosphical and social aspects, of being "integrated".
Dec 31, 2010
Integrity (part 2)
See part 1 below.
"willpower" will not get you far if
-physically you are not integrated because you are eating the wrong foods or wrong quantities or your sleep pattens are out of sync. "Proper" exercise which bears little resemblance to 99% of what is called such these days. All these will affect your hormonal environment which will in turn affect your energy levels and erode your commitment.
This is why your first "commitment" to integrity is based on this foundation.
A good foundation but still only start. Future blog on mental, emotional and spiritual/ohilosophical. All of them are needed in order to be "truly integrated".
On physical crucial first step: get to bed earlier in a cool dark room (dark as possible) and wake up at similar if not exact same time each day.
"willpower" will not get you far if
-physically you are not integrated because you are eating the wrong foods or wrong quantities or your sleep pattens are out of sync. "Proper" exercise which bears little resemblance to 99% of what is called such these days. All these will affect your hormonal environment which will in turn affect your energy levels and erode your commitment.
This is why your first "commitment" to integrity is based on this foundation.
A good foundation but still only start. Future blog on mental, emotional and spiritual/ohilosophical. All of them are needed in order to be "truly integrated".
On physical crucial first step: get to bed earlier in a cool dark room (dark as possible) and wake up at similar if not exact same time each day.
Dec 30, 2010
Integrity
Integrity is the ability to make and keep commitments to yourself!!
Master this and you master much of your destiny!!
See stickk.com
hint: developing this is far more than just a matter of willpower (whatever that is)
beating up on yourself for lack of said willpower is not productive.
Getting to work finding out what it to takes to develop integrity is far more productive and involves alignment physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Stay tuned.
Master this and you master much of your destiny!!
See stickk.com
hint: developing this is far more than just a matter of willpower (whatever that is)
beating up on yourself for lack of said willpower is not productive.
Getting to work finding out what it to takes to develop integrity is far more productive and involves alignment physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Stay tuned.
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