While growing up, i always heard my elders and teacher saying, “focus on studies, you can workout when you have a good job”.
Later as I started my corporate journey, I had my peers, colleagues ask “why do you spend so much time in gym, you aren’t in entertainment or fitness industry….it’s not of use” and the endless list of “aren’t you too busy to exercise”, “how do you find time to workout”
None the less, I continued my passion for working out. Now when I look back, I realize that I learned a lot of lessons in gym, which perfectly apply to corporate life as well to life in general equally.
Below are my key takeaways (My Ten-commandments from gym)
1. Growth will only happy outside your comfort zone, when you are under weight (or under pressure). So, don’t hesitate to add that extra pound to the bar. Remember – Pain (soreness) is inevitable process for growth, suffering is however optional
2. Visualize the end state, define your goal, plan, track the progress and REPEAT. It’s all about consistency.
3. Treat failures as milestone for success. In-fact there is a known concept of “training to failure” as it pushes you to extreme, engages all possible muscle fibers to ones used in working set and most important helps you overcome plateaus. Try it in your work life too, give more than cent percent and you will break the plateaus
4. Ego will only give you injury, not growth – so keep your ego outside the office as well gym
5. It doesn’t get easier, you get stronger/better. Also, while you should celebrate your growth, don’t forget your first lift (Meeting) and how you struggled back then. Remember you were there once and if possible, help those starting new by giving them a helping hand (or spot as we call in gym)
6. FOCUS – Its not just about moving the weights, its about establishing the right mind-muscle connection its about putting that “conscious” effort for growth, mentally as well physically.
7. The result will never depend on the 1-2hr workout session (or 1-2 meetings), it will depend way more on the prep you put in the remaining 22-23 hr. for that (diet, rest, social habits etc.)
8. Success would never be linear but there is always a method to madness. “Know the basics”, explore as you grow and most important find a mentor (Coach). Someone who has achieved what you aspire to achieve and is genuinely willing to share.
9. Success/fitness is never ending – its an ongoing process, it’s a Lifestyle. In the journey of growth, finish line will always keep moving.
10. Everything said, do not forget to celebrate each small win/milestone – enjoy your well-earnedcheat meal every now and then