3 Ways To Eliminate All Exceptions...
“Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice. Better than knowledge is meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results, because there follows immediate peace.”
One of the most demonized phrases we own in today's world is, "I can't." Self-help seminars, and don't-kill-yourself books focus on the power these words have so much so that now everyone recoils at that one horrible expression. Surely we gave that particular phrase up, but did we leave the suicide-by-vocabulary behind or make an exchange for a different wordy weapon?
I am no less innocent than anyone else of uttering those tortured words on occasion. I'm sure you have been exposed to the frightfully aggressive "I can't" police when you let that phrase slip. It's kinda like that kid on A Christmas Story when he says $%&# out loud to his Dad.
Unfortunately, while we rarely hear "I can't" slip out like the naughty word it is, we often hear "except for," its unabashed partner.
"I love everything about my job except for"..."I would have smashed that WOD except for"..."There is no way my back should hurt, my mobility is awesome except for"..."There is no way my ass should be this fat, my diet is spot on except for"....
Starting to see the pattern? This seems to be a justification noone wants to accept because people hate confrontation. Uncomfortable or not, confrontation and accountability make us better. Being too scared to shake up the herd, to quake the earth, to scream what needs to be heard doesn't save anyone. In fact, it's murder by omission. If you know the truth and tell noone, you're as guilty as the man with the knife.
Saying "except for" is exchanging one dirty-ass phrase for another, and the more dirty-ass the exceptions, the dirtier we become.
The Paleo diet is one of the biggest exceptions to every rule we are supposed to hold near and dear. "I eat Paleo except for..." is the most widely used phrase on the CrossFit planet. It's not that Paleo matters. It's that we don't get healthier, faster and stronger by making nature's rules fit us. As a nation we have been trying that for a long time, and as a result, are in the worst shape in history. We become better by following nature's decrees without adding our exceptions.
The task at hand becomes nothing more than eliminating these exceptions. These "I can't" and "I won't" phrases masked as something sweeter. Something tastier, but just as deadly. In three steps we can leave our exceptions behind:
Define And Text
First, listen to yourself and others. When do you let those two words come out, or when do you agree with others coughing infection your way?
After you spot the phrase in question, text yourself the exception you just made. Nobody carries paper, so your phone will do.
Retrace To Find The Evidence, Condemn, Execute
Immediately retrace your steps leading up to the exception like some cracked-up CSI guy. Find the reasons you let yourself be led so easily into deception.
It's pretty much assured that every exception we make today is symptomatic of a greater disease. Maybe it's the diseased and dying career we should walk away from. The contagious personality we should leave behind. The epidemic of conformity that only makes us as healthy as every other wayward soul feeding at the same table of lies.
After you have found the leading cause of the exception, it may be a good idea to execute the offending agent. After all, prisons don't seem to work worth shit. They keep paroling the guilty.
Text And Evaluate
After you have solved the crime of exception, wait and see if that exception becomes reality again. If so, you either sent an innocent man to jail or gave the lethal injection to the wrong guy. Or, most likely, you didn't catch all the criminals.
Soon enough the road will be paved with progress rather than exception detours.
Strength:
Press
5/3/1
"Gwen"
Clean and Jerk
15/12/9
*Rest as needed between sets. Touch and go on deck only, no bailing or re-griping while resting on the deck.
Auxiliary:
Max Hollow Rock
3 Minutes
Glute-Ham Raise
3x12
Post weight moved to comments.
I like the post jb.
The line I hear often that makes my blood boil is "I could have done more..."
I hear this after a WOD and think its an excuse. Be proud of what you did. Then as jb tells in the post go home and make a plan to DO IT next time.
"Eliminate Exceptions" great line.
Posted by: Sammy | August 24, 2011 at 09:32 PM
"Uncomfortable or not, confrontation and accountability make us better. Being too scared to shake up the herd, to quake the earth, to scream what needs to be heard doesn't save anyone."
This post struck quite a chord in me, and Sam's comment just took that chord an octave higher...so I am compelled to write a bit..or a lot. Tonight, you get a small chapter of Mindy. ;)
Exceptions define and confine my life in so many ways...all powered by fear.
First there's CF. Sam, I find myself often thinking--or saying at times--I could have done more during the WOD, I shouldn't have taken so many breaths. I underestimate my ability out of fear of not being able to push through the pain, discomfort and breathlessness, out of fear of the unknown, and out of fear of re-injury. And I convince myself I am satisfied with less than what I am capable of so I can stay put in my little comfort zone, my safe spot. It feels nice and cozy there!
Then there is life...my career, my relationships, my faith...the list goes on and on. I didn't get far into this post before I realize I steer my life just as I steer CF...never moving too far in any direction to step outside what is familiar, comfortable, and not so vulnerable--even when its unhealthy---in fear of not being able to endure the change, and the pain. There are so many things in my life right now that need to be shaken up, called out, changed. And even with accountability from great friends, coworkers, etc., I find great reasons (excuses, rather) to sit back down in my comfy chair (or rut) and continue to forge thru every day as if I have no other choice. I live into my exceptions every day, convincing myself I can be satisfied there, and moan in misery about feeling stuck.
I think about the times I just let go and push thru my fear. Those are the times I achieve things like my first rope climb, my first climb over the wall, traveling to China and Tijuana on mission trips, redefining a lost friendship, and so much more. Why can't I live every day like that? I am not sure yet, but I am destined only to sink deeper into that comfy chair I try to call contentment, if I don't start shaking things up! Where is the greatness, the joy, the faith, in settling for mediocrity?
Why do I feel so compelled to lay this out before my PCF family?? Because it is the force of PCF, the constant expectation to improve, that has allowed me to really examine myself. Until PCF, the majority of people in my everyday life looked to me for answers and accountability...so much, that I sort of lost Mindy in all of it. After all, I am a therapist, so shouldn't I live to better everyone else?? At PCF, I get to be me, to live like me, to enjoy me. I get to ask questions and depend on a great family for accountability and encouragement...which has spread out beyond the confines of the WOD at times. I don't have to have all the answers, and I feel empowered. Now, if I can just recognize, and eliminate, the exceptions at PCF, maybe I will be able to apply that to other areas of my life as well!
Posted by: Mindy | August 24, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Mindy...interesting the tool the blog can become sometimes, eh?
It's early, but your post moved me. Will get you back after class w a couple of (more awake and coherent) thoughts.
Posted by: k | August 25, 2011 at 05:36 AM
2 presses
Gwen at 85#
Chas, thanks for "suggesting" 85, Betsy, thanks for making sure I finished :)
Posted by: runmelrun | August 25, 2011 at 07:05 AM
3/55#
Posted by: vicki | August 25, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Mindy...whether these are more coherent than they would've been at 5am, I'm unsure but...
1. "After all, I am a therapist, so shouldn't I live to better everyone else??"
A noble and virtuous goal, the role of therapist aside. Personally, however, I'm unconvinced that we can achieve an optimal impact with others if we don't first enjoy the company we keep when we're alone w ourselves. Sounds like you’re workin on that.
2. The awareness you credit CF for providing you is awesome. I often believe it can be the most important hour of a CF-er’s day because, as I know you know, even being beaten by a tough WOD can strengthen you for other, unrelated challenges that may follow. But, remember…CF is only a microcosm of real life. While there’s lots about it that can translate into just plain positive, productive behavioral change for individuals who really embrace it, at the end of the day, the challenge is between your head, your heart and a bar…and the bar doesn’t care about you, or have feelings or an opinion. You can take it on w/caution, or take it on and smash it. And when the clock rings, it’ll go back in the rack quietly. I struggle similarly…wondering often how it is that I can be so neurotic about taking on wkos that should kill me just to prove I can, yet unable to get “unstuck” (as you say) from personal stuff w the same compulsion. Guess what I’m saying is keep using the strength you find in CF or PCF to influence change in the rest of your life, but try to maintain a healthy perspective on the differences.
3. I can appreciate your desire to raise your own personal performance bar. On the days you doubt you’re making progress, check Lauren out. She’s quite the motivated little chick, so you’re doin something right.
I dig quotes. Here’s sort of relevant one I fell upon recently…
"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain a fuel, as a reminder of your strength." -august wilson
Posted by: k | August 25, 2011 at 08:34 AM
thanks for sharing Mindy
Posted by: jb | August 25, 2011 at 09:15 AM
JB...Is the "uncomfortable or not" quote yours?!? I'd like to post it on FB & want to give credit where credit is due;)
Posted by: Lori | August 25, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Lori....yes it is
Posted by: jb | August 25, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Mindy, nice post...I am not sure what kind of therapist you are, but I am a physical therapist assistant and personal trainer, and I do want to shine some light on your comment about fear of re-injury. Once again, not familiar with your injury, but regardless of what injury you incurred, this will apply: If you workout and push yourself and LIVE life to the fullest, you MAY re-injure, but if you allow FEAR to dictate your IMMOBILITY, you most certainly will overprotect yourself into unhealthiness, weakness and probable re injury due to your progressive debilitation which you ALLOWED to occur. I have several injuries that I deal with every day. Most certainly I listen to my body, and then I push as hard as I can within smart boundaries by use of modifications. I do not come out of workouts feeling I could have done better...I work as hard as I can with the hand I have been dealt. And it ain't the same as everyone around me, but I deal with it and bust my ass every time I am in there. I can say that I do not walk away from a workout crucifying myself anymore for modifying...I walk away proud, everytime. For sure, I have moments of reflections back to some things I used to do, butterfly pull ups, climbing the rope with only my arms,unmodified tricep dips, kipping handstand push-ups( ...and the list can go on and on,) anyway, I look back and at first, I wish I could still do those things, but the fact is, I have injured myself to the point, that those things aren't possible right now...at least not at that level. The beauty of crossfit is I can work just as hard and modify anything, and who knows, one day, those moves may become possible again...they may not...either way I crossfit with intensity and will continue to do so with whatever modifications I need at the time. Just wanted to share a bit, don't be afraid...be brave and smart and you will come out on top!
Posted by: terra kennett | August 25, 2011 at 12:15 PM
1/90#
Posted by: holly | August 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Kara, thanks for your thoughts. CF is definitely a microcosm of every other part of life...if only everything else in life were like that bar, right?!!?
Lu is my hardest child to parent, so the reminder to step back and take a look at what is inside her is so refreshing!
And Terra, thank you much for some direction with injury. Athletics of any type have NEVER been a part of my life until PCF 11 months ago, so injury is still scary to me. I am slowly learning to live with it, and figuring out how to work smarter and harder!
Posted by: Mindy | August 25, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Press:4@83# / WOD:83#
I am getting single plates asap. With all my grip and forearms issues, I needed to attempt this WOD, esp after a week like this one. Definitely a worthy physical challenge I'll look forward ot seeing the weight go up on in a future hit.
Mindy...I'd never wish for life to be like the bar. And if I'm really honest w myself, I hope the many voices in my head never stop. The still of contentment would be worse. BUT...as someone said to me earlier today (paraphrased)...'It'd be nice if personal stuff was as "easy" as Fran, and if some days that stuff could be solved in less than 20mins.' Priceless.
Posted by: k | August 25, 2011 at 05:35 PM
3/fail/fail/85
Haven't left a wod this frustrated in a while. Had 95# on the bar, failed at two 15 and 11... finished last set at 9. I WILL do this one again....
Posted by: Min | August 25, 2011 at 07:50 PM
2 Presses
70#-15,70#-12, 75#-7
Posted by: Carrie | August 25, 2011 at 08:06 PM
2/. 65/70/75
Posted by: Nikki J | August 25, 2011 at 08:53 PM
4-press
fail/155/155
Posted by: jb | August 25, 2011 at 08:58 PM
6 press/75#
Posted by: jen w | August 25, 2011 at 09:27 PM
2 - press
75/75/75
Thanks for the hook grip tip McCormick! :)
Posted by: Shelly | August 25, 2011 at 09:35 PM
3 -press
Stayed with 105
Failed/failed/got it!
Posted by: chastity | August 25, 2011 at 09:48 PM
4
135/155 fail 9 reps/165 fail 4 reps
Posted by: Sammy | August 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM
4
85#-fail for re-griping 2x on ground...thanks for calling me out on this Ryan/85#-failed at 7/75#-finshed it!
Posted by: kara MIKOLAJEWSKI | August 26, 2011 at 01:11 PM