“As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.”—Henry Van Dyke
We often speak of habits as either good or bad. Exercise is a good habit. Cursing is a bad habit. Etc. Some habits and routines are rather benign. What we do within the habit or routine is a critical factor in our growth—in the emergences of “new dimensions of the soul.”
Jim Ryun said, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Speaking as an exercise physiologist, habit without progression is only maintenance at best. According to the principle of overload: for a body system to develop, it must be challenged greater than that to which it is accustomed. If growth is a desired outcome, we must go beyond simply habits and routines.
Kaizen is the Japanese word for “constant improvement” once popularized in management circles. It is a central consideration in well-centered fitness.
Perfection is an asymptote. As Vince Lombardi said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” This is the concept of kaizen.
Motivation leads to habits. Habit leads to routine. Routine leads to progression. Progression leads to growth. It is not enough to do the same things over and over. We need to build the habit of self-evaluation and self-improvement. We need to proceed with a sense of Purpose. We need to seek for the emergence of new and better dimensions of the soul.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento.