The Execution Gap

"Many [people] fall victim to the Execution Gap - the gap between promises made and results delivered."

- Steven Covey


... For the past two days I've attended a workshop that has specifically focused on "execution leadership." I am reminded oh so clearly of the importance of execution.

... We set our goals. We make our plan. We go to the gym. We workout.

... But there's going to be a gap between our dreams and our achievements unless we execute with inTENsity.

John

PS: Note to self ... Can't wait until tomorrow's LBWO.

My mom called me yesterday ...

... with some sad news that a former classmate of mine had a heart attack and passed away.

Jeff Mascerelli was the son of 'Red' Mascerelli -- former Cleveland Brown football player -- and a football 'stud' in his own right. In junior high school we played football together. I was a little guy. Jeff was one of the bigger fellows who played linebacker; a chip off of the old block so to speak. Jeff went on to play in high school and later as NCAA Division I-level ball player and University of West Virginia Mountaineer. He had a wife and several children. Given that our family moved to California and his family stayed in Pennsylvania, my memories of him are a little vague and distant. But I do recall that he could block and tackle with the best of 'em.

When a former team/classmate dies and he's the same age as you, this will get your attention. (Particularly in a year when my younger brother suffered a stroke and has fought his way back to being 95+% recovered -and- when in the past year another friend, Julie Whitt, became an official angel.)

This I know is the circle of life and such deaths are normal. But they're an eye-opener too!

Tonight I'm looking forward to another solid workout. I'm building my body-for-life so that with a little luck and the grace of God I'll be around a little longer to serve my family and play football with my grandchildren.

Inspiration drawn from an on-line journal ...

I've been thinking about why I study / practice aikido. There are many reasons. At first I wanted to merely get back in shape. I needed a club environment to help keep me accountable. Then I started more physically rigorous training -- lifting and running and all as outlined in the Body-for-Life program. So aikido served as a 'good stretch' and helped me maintain my flexibility and balance. But lately, I'm beginning to see many, many day-to-day applications of this martial art. I see opportunities to practice aikido in my professional career as a decision coach and group facilitator. I see opportunities to practice aikido whenever I'm dealing with my headstrong family members. I see myself returning to equally headstrong ways and then having to remind myself: "there's a third option."

Life is full of challenges. We are hard-wired to respond with 'fight or flight' behavior. But the third option is 'flow.' With aikido I'm learning more and more that going with the flow -- blending with the energy that's presented to me -- makes a whole lot of sense.

The following set of questions and statements were found on the Aikido Journal. These thoughts by Alex Corper capture related questions and thinking that I'm presently grappling with (pardon the wrestling pun for this sport is a part of my personal history).

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“… I still believe that seeking to create harmony in our crazy world is a noble goal, but one which requires a ‘warrior’ spirit.”

“… Why does practice a martial art to promote peace and harmony? Why not meditate, or become a devout Christian or Buddhist. If a person wants fitness, flexibility and inner peace why not just do yoga?”

“… If, on the other hand, a person wants to learn street-smart self defense, why spend years learning how to control people who are attacking you, with the philosophy of doing minimal damage?”

“… Is Aikido really effective? [Is it] effective as a stress relieving, pleasant way to become a more peaceful, harmonized person, or effective as in, break the neck type iriminage? … Is Aikido effective as a budo of love? … [Is aikido] a warrior’s path leading to embracing and valuing other human beings in every possible way?”

“… In my mind the study of maai [and/or randori are the physical techniques that should lead us to the same study at a deeper level. What is the right mental and emotional distance from another to give them respect, but also to preserve our own space? If needed, how do I enter another's center without losing myself?”

Inspiration/Source: “Getting back to Aikido, whatever that is” a blog-comment by Alec Corper on January 17th, 2006 as found on the Aikido Journal.

On football, BFL, and life ...

"The game of life
is a lot like football.
You have to tackle your problems,
block your fears, and score your
points when you get the opportunity."
-- Lewis Grizzard (1946-1994)
American Humorist and Author

... If you're a football fan, this is a great time of year. But do take care when tempted to over-indulge on nachos, chicken wings, pizza, and beer. Yesterday was my FREE DAY but I limited myself to roughly half of what I use to eat while watching the STEELERS kick butt.

... When you think about it, Lewis Grizzard -- weak/softhearted humorist that he was -- could have been describing the BFL program above.

Tackle your problems = overcoming obstacles so that you don't miss a meal or workout.

Block your fears = Crossing that abyss.

Score your points = Hitting your 10s (high points) daily.

Believe, achieve, inspire.

Various Thoughts on Measurement

"The virtue of man ought to be measured,
not by his extraordinary exertions,
but by his everyday conduct."
- Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
French Scientist and Philosopher

It's what we (I) do most of the time that matters.
Today, how will you (I) measure up?

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Bought a kitchen scale today after discussing with a friend the merits of such a tool while participating in a BFL-challenge. After thinking about it awhile and looking over my past fitness logs, it has become apparent that I can be more precise in my meal planning.

I've resolved to use the bathroom scale less frequently and my new kitchen scale more often. For after all, some past champion said that bigger biceps and six-pack ABs are made in the kitchen as well as in the gym.