Looking back on 2012 I would like to share with you some things that I have learned. Take them for what they are and hopefully my experiences can teach you something you can apply to your own life or save you from experiencing something you’d rather not. As you know I’m a self development type of guy but I also enjoy lifting heavy shit so I tried to include an equal amount of both. Here we go…
1. I am a worthwhile human being
This applies to you too. Too often we seem to forget all the great qualities we have and all the great things we do. Realize that just because you may not be the best at something doesn’t mean you are not great at it, and that many people out there notice. Take pride in who you are and don’t break no matter what anybody says about you.
2. Listen to people’s opinion about you
A caveat to #1. Notice how I said “listen” and not “accept”. No matter how much you hate a person or disagree with them it is in your best interest to listen to what they have to say and then judge it dispassionately. An opinion is created from an impression and is therefore a type of feedback, so take it constructively. Be honest with yourself and from there accept or reject. It all starts with listening.
3. Take ACTION
You can read all you want about a subject or try to plan it out perfectly but nothing will happen if action is not taken.
4. Learn
Learn about everything and take in as much information as you can. It will raise the launchpad from which your life will take off (JUST made that up on the spot, thought it was awesome. Tweet that or whatever). The more knowledge you have about something the greater your accuracy will be when trying to achieve a related goal.
5. Plan recovery first
Recovery is where the progress happens so why leave it as an afterthought? The intensity and volume of your workouts should be planned around recovery of both muscles and the nervous system to ensure your actually gaining what it is that you’re after.
6. I can eat omelets everyday. And I do.
7. If you skip out on mobility and flexibility work you will pay dearly.
Don’t skip it. Seriously.
8. Fix the smaller problem that’s preventing you from fixing the bigger, more important problem. Reduce your problems into actionable steps.
Find out what’s holding you back (eg. Not being able to stick to your diet in order to better your body composition). Now find out what’s preventing you from fixing that problem (eg. You’re eating healthy but when you’re out it’s difficult to stick to the diet). Now find out what’s preventing you from fixing that problem (eg. You need to bring your lunch to work/school but you have a phobia of heating things up in plastic tupperware). Now find out what’s preventing you from fixing THAT problem (eg. go buy some glass tupperware). That’s an actionable step. Go out and buy some damn glass tupperware.
9. I enjoy writing
I absolutely despised writing in school but ever since I started writing about things that I’m actually passionate about I love it. Thanks for reading!
10. Variety is the spice of life. Too much spice also tastes like shit.
Some variety here and there is great and is both emotionally and mentally uplifting. Too much variety for the sake of variety, however, is detrimental to your progress and life. The most successful people do mostly the same things every day and they do them exceptionally. Choosing what those things are and sprinkling a little “spice” every now and then is the secret.
11. Training is based on science, but it is definitely an art.
I love the science aspect of training. The physiology, bio-mechanics, and physics of training pretty much arouse me. Without the knowledge and experience to know how to apply the concepts though, those things are nothing but facts. That is where I am an artist with the ability to use techniques to create something beautiful. I love what I do.
12. Knowledge is not power. Application of knowledge is power.
13. Speak.
Communication will help build you up. Lack of it will destroy you.
14. Be 100% certain
When dealing with other people you must make sure you are absolutely certain of the situation before you can move on. Never assume.
15. Ask questions.
How can you truly know if you never ask?
16. It doesn’t matter what works for someone else, or what should work. What works for you is what is best for you.
17. Lots of people intentionally and unintentionally misinterpret advice to benefit them.
18. Don’t look at your life as a person looking out at your world. Look at it as a person looking in, that way you can see everything.
This will help you IMMENSELY.
19. I can no longer drink like I used to and the very thought of drinking hard liquor is almost enough to make me gag.
Guess what though, I’m still cool. Who’d of thunk it?
20. Technique in your lifts is CRUCIAL.
The slightest alteration of your technique can put a lot of weight on your best lifts and prevent injury. Learn proper technique and practice it as frequently as possible.
21. Think of yourself first, UNLESS the feelings of someone else are involved.
If your actions can influence someone else’s feelings it would be selfish of you not to think of how you can affect them. People seem to misinterpret the whole “put yourself first” thing as black and white. Yes, put yourself first, but don’t be ignorant.
23. Correcting basic movement patterns comes first.
Solidify the foundation before building the house on top.
24. Teriyaki
Teriyaki anything tastes great and is easy to cook. Diet problem #9834 solved.
I’ll leave it at that for now, hopefully this post helps you out. People have a tendency to look back on the previous year cursing what went wrong and hoping for a complete 180 degree turn for the next. Well if you never learn from the previous year expect a repeat come December 31st. I’m looking forward to learning a ton in 2013, are you?
What did you learn in 2012?
Was this awesome? Good. Share it with EVERYONE!
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