Interpreting Feedback

We are very smart people overall, and yet we let important pieces of feedback slip through our fingers everyday. So the question is, how do we interpret this feedback and how can we apply what we learn to get better?

First - let's examine what feedback is. Feedback is information about reactions to a product or a person's performance of a task used as a basis for improvement. We are going to focus on the second part of that definition.

Now let's apply that definition: you completed a workout that you normally do, and the next day you are in 'pain'. The first thing you should do is examine variables that may have been different from every other day, I.e. Sleep patterns, nutrition, stress, work, etc. One thing being off kilter from your normalcy can certainly affect your workout. In addition, if we are referring to pain, remember that pain is a bodily signal that something isn't right. Sometimes we need to check our egos and realize that we need to break down what we are doing to find the cause of the pain. It should be about finding the cause of the pain and not just finding a quick fix.

At the end of the day, our body provides consistent feedback based on our daily activities. If we are usually very active, and for some reason have extended periods of sitting maybe there will back pain present. The key is to accept the feedback and take steps to IMPROVE. 

Conversely, if you have a great workout and set a personal record of some sort - you should also be taking that feedback into account as well. I would presume the same variables I touched on earlier could also be responsible in some way; maybe you got extra sleep, had a great day of nutrition and hit your macros on point, stayed as stress free as possible...all of these can be positives or negatives depending on how you approach them.

One of the best ways to track the feedback your body gives is to keep a journal of some sort or even add a notes section to your workout tracker so you can write notes on how you feel, state of mind, any immediate feedback from your workout, etc.

Just as we receive feedback in our careers and we are expected to apply it to improve ourselves, the feedback your body gives you day-to-day should also be used to improve ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Living with Intention

It is so easy to go through life just trying to make it through the day, but that is a mindset that we allow ourselves to have! We are so blessed with another day of opportunity and that alone should be all the motivation we need. I know that my purpose on this earth is to make an impact, and no impact is too small! The only way to harness that mentality is to find what is going to take you to your goals. It sounds easier than it is but once you get on that path the only thing stopping your progress will be YOU! Nothing changes if nothing changes. If your actions and words are intentionally directing you away from your goals, then that is what needs to change. If you don't believe in YOURSELF then why would anybody else? If you don't believe in your PURPOSE then why would anyone else? Live with intention and purpose and you will have an easy time being who you want to be and getting where you want to go.

Back for the New Year!!!

Hi All,

New year, new blog topics! This is just a preview of some things in the works over the next few weeks:

1. Improved programming ideas I have been experimenting with
2. Some competition updates on what I have planned for the year
3. New product reviews, including CUSTOM oatmeal from my oatmeal.com and trying out a new protein flavor from True nutrition
4. Some thoughts on goal setting and success
5. Fitness trends for 2014

As always, thanks for reading and submitting questions. Stay tuned!