I Hate Burpees!

The Pain of Preparation and Doing What Others Won’t Do

In 2001, I lost about 35 pounds. I got tired of yo-yo dieting for temporary results, and decided to instead adopt sustainable lifestyle changes- smaller portions, healthier food choices, and consistent exercise. I started with minor changes, such as skipping the bread basket at restaurants and reserving dessert for truly special occasions. For exercise, I frequented the “fitness centers” in the hotels where I stayed, often taking advantage of the cardio machines. When I was at home, I followed DVD workouts. My favorite? Tae Bo with Billy Blanks! I usually achieved 3-4 workouts a week, and would periodically challenge myself to try to reach 4-5. As I have maintained my weight loss and improved by fitness level, I discovered that a critical component to my success is variety in both my diet and my workouts.

Over the years, I have done many things to promote a healthy lifestyle- played singles and doubles tennis; became a licensed Zumba instructor; and, run two half-marathons. Around the time I started regularly attending Zumba classes, I heard about CrossFit. CrossFit is defined as “constantly varied functional movements performed at a high intensity.” The workouts incorporate aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing, cycling and much more. The feats of strength, endurance and flexibility didn’t immediately appeal to me, however. It was years later before I tried my first Workout of the Day (WOD), using the output of an online site that generates the sets of exercises, and I only recently joined a trainer-led, CrossFit-type class at my gym. Full disclosure- I suck at it.

Or, more accurately, I suck at some of it. Everybody has things they are naturally good at, as well as things they have to improve. There are fundamental movements in the CrossFit arena that are central to most workouts, and athletes must become at least proficient in those skills in order to compete at the highest levels. Similarly, there are skills effective leaders must master in order to be the best they can be. In both cases, the individual striving to maximize results will only reach a certain level of performance by solely focusing on the things they’re already good at. To be well-rounded and optimally prepared for any tests, as well as opportunities, that may come, one must strengthen their weaknesses. This is the thing that most people don’t do- risking vulnerability to suck at something; acknowledging the gut-wrenching reality that one isn’t the best at everything; willingly putting in the practice to make sometimes agonizingly slow progress, all in the name of achieving more than they have before.

Obviously, my description of this growth process doesn’t sound appetizing. Who wants to intentionally go through something that feels so awful?? Most people don’t want to be that uncomfortable, and consequently, most people don’t reach their goals.  But those that do follow through? The select group of individuals tends to get much farther than their peers, and possess the intrinsic motivation to keep pushing through the pain to get to the promise on the other side. The will to go on even when it hurts only stems from a very personal and profound sense of meaning; in other words, the people who display this kind of perseverance have found their “why.” They have very clearly defined what they want to do, and the very specific reason for wanting to do it. Their will, drive and desire are all fueled by that “why.” The desired outcome is a vividly painted picture in their mind’s eye and anytime motivation starts to fade, that mental picture is always available to be revisited and remind them of why they’re doing what they’re doing. For these people, the pain of preparation pales in comparison to the pain of staying the same, and ultimately, failing to reach their goals.

So the next time you decide to start your own business, or go for that promotion, or try a new sport, remember that you are not going to start out doing everything well. There will be things you don’t even know how to do. You aren’t going to come out of the gate knowing how to slam dunk basketballs, or crush an executive interview, or know all the aspects of running a start up.  You will straight up suck at some things. But, also remember that there are other people out there who can teach you what you don’t know, and that the more you practice new skills the better you will become at them. Most importantly, remember that anyone who has ever achieved anything extraordinary started out by sucking at something.  However, they persevered and eventually experienced a break through that set them on a new level of performance. If they can do it, so can you and I. It’s only for that reason, I will continue to work at my burpees.

They will get easier, right??