If there is one PDF quick read that you must save to your computer it is Dan John’s 40 Years of Insight. I love lesson 13 (ok, all of them) as I try to apply it to my coaching and learning. Consequently, it serves as a reminder to those having a goal in sports performance or fitness. Nonetheless, read it and let me know what you think and maybe you can apply it to something in your life.
“I love the word “glib.” Usually, it means nonchalant (that has to be a French word; we need to find a way to say this glibly), but it also means “lacking depth and substance.” Now, most of my ex-girlfriends say that about me, but I digress.
I’ve always taken about six weeks a year to assess, reassess, and deal with my weaknesses. It’s always around the same few issues.
I’m too fat.
My hamstrings are too tight.
I need to work on X, Y, or Z.
So, how does one usually address these issues? Most people usually address weaknesses while also doing literally everything else. So, what happens in a typical 6-week assessment program is we continue doing everything we did before and hope the weaknesses vanish magically. Without Harry Potter, that isn’t going to happen.
In the last decade I’ve discovered that weaknesses demand full concentration. As I’ve argued before, if you want to really address fat loss, do the Velocity Diet. Oh sure, there are other fine options but do the V-Diet once and then decide how “grueling” Atkins or Ornish or the Zone are in terms of sacrifice.
Weaknesses need to be given full attention. If you have flexibility issues holding you back, then you need some kind of challenge. In the past I’ve recommended the Bikram Yoga 30-day challenge (you promise to go to the 90 minute sessions every day for 30 days) and I still can’t think of a better way to address the issue.
Weaknesses need to be attacked with depth. I charge you to examine every possibility in your search to ridding yourself of this issue. I’ve had people squat 5 days a week to address poor squatting technique and do 1,000 full turns a month to deal with discus throwing issues. If you have a clear weakness, total focus with every tool and weapon you can muster has to be the plan.
Don’t be glib.”
When I first read lesson 13, I compared it solely to my training. Deadlift better, squat better, ok just train better. After reading it 5x through, we can apply lesson 13 to anything. Diet, family life, beliefs, training technique, sleep patterns, recovery, enjoying life, being nicer to people, caring more, loving more, going out on a limb for somebody. Does this seem like a bit more than training? Improve your weaknesses. For me, every time I know I am not up to par with coaching something, I try to read a quality article or cue from other coaches and ask questions. Seek advice.
Cheers,
Matt
. If you are an athlete or personal training client, remember that caring, being attentive, and being a good person goes a long way. It inspires coaches and the people around you.
