Some days are joyous with feeling of adventure and overcoming adversity. You feel great about a cool experience, for me the physical ones are the most satisfying. Feeling free & easy of movement afterwards is the goal. Pain can be a consistent companion , it’s how much that is the question. Understanding how to thread the needle between soreness & injury is hard. Some days you pay the price for hubris. Today is one of those days.
Last week I talked about the joy of meeting and rolling with a world champion and the challenge & joy that came from the chance encounter. In addition to that grappling session, I had a hard Jiu-jitsu class the day before and, with the help of friends, took down a large oak tree on Saturday. Well, my body wasn’t up for that combined level of work. Now, a pinched nerve in my neck overrides the recovery of the rest of my muscles and will keep me out action for awhile.
As a performance coach to all levels of athletes, recreational 65+ year old nordic skiers to 20-something elite rugby players, High-school football players to CEOs flying around the country, I stress working their plan and the importance of recovery. Know thy self and how you work best. I failed to adhere to that maxim. Another setback reminds me yet again of the significance of coaching, the wisdom of experience, and why we seek those who provide it.
For myself, this means working with my chiropractor, Dr. Breanna Tivy (Thrive Chiropractic), to boost my recovery. Then, sitting down with my BJJ instructor, Prof. Gina Franssen (X2 BJJ), to map out the next year to hopefully avoid another episode like this one. And finally, some upper-back strength planning with my friend, Mark Schneider (The Retreat Strength Gym). Yes, coaches need coaches, too.
As we move through this month of resolutions, think on what your goals are for this year and why they are important. Reflect on who can mentor or guide you through the journey. Don’t ask for “help”; look for advice and direction from someone who can give prudent prespective. This guide can aid in avoiding some pitfalls; probably not all. Be proactive. The journey will be a bit smoother. And when you do make a mistake, that same sage mentor will be there to assist in moving you forward again.
Seek coaching. Find a mentor. Create teammates.
“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.” - John C. Maxwell
