I have adopted a phrase that I picked up from Dr. Mike Israetel (Temple University; Renaissance Periodization)—“opportunity cost.” I use it often in my exercise science course,s but I am finding it equally applicable in all aspects of life—of “well-centered fitness.”
Opportunity cost refers to the cost of including dimensions in the training that may or may not contribute to the overall success of the athlete. In our physical dimension this most commonly applies to the time we spend working out and on which components of physical fitness (e.g., cardiovascular, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and body composition) we put our greater focus. To the athlete, there is the added challenge of time spent in skill acquisition (e.g., practice, agility training, speed and power development, etc.) and developing knowledge of our sport. An athlete has limited time in which to train. Choices have to be made regarding the management of this time. Successful athletes optimize their time by focusing on the things that maximize performance. The same may be said for successful people.
The concept of well-centered fitness emphasizes the need to balance one’s self spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The greatest challenge rests in trying to maintain such a balance while pursuing extraordinary success in one’s pursuits. Too often, we neglect the other dimensions of our well-being in pursuit of specific goals and dreams. The athlete, for example, may devote the entirety of his/her day to training, nutrition, and rest at the expense of relationships, education, etc. There is an opportunity cost to their athletic success. Often there is a tremendous cost that isn’t realized until after the athletic career ends—failed relationships, vanity, a lack of career opportunity outside of the sport, etc. The key to real success, however, is in maintaining one’s well-centeredness while accomplishing great success in some specific area.
There may be a season during which we must allow our balance to become a bit skewed. During such times, however, we must recognize the cost and attempt to reset the course as soon as possible. Perhaps, in starting a business, one must take time away from family and physical training. Perhaps, an academic must devote greater time to a research project. There are times when an athlete my focus on training. If in such times, however, we completely neglect specific dimensions of well-centeredness, restoring our centeredness is going to require far greater effort. It is critical that during such times when we must concentrate efforts in our lives that we must take some time to care our whole self.
We must at all times recognize the value of each dimension of our wellness. We must take time to reflect, to consider others, to exercise, to feed our bodies and our minds, to spend time with family and friends, to relax, to contemplate, and to enjoy.
From a spiritual perspective, I often reflect on the “fruit of God’s Holy Spirit”—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not a “gift”, as some believe. They are a fruit. Fruit is the product of cultivation. These take intention and effort. When I don’t tend to my fruit, it is notable in my interactions with others.
Physically, weighing the cost of opportunity is easy. We have limited time in the day, but there is time for exercise—if we make it. How one defines his/her fitness goals will determine how one spends the available time. Personally, I am a big proponent of high frequency training. There is a physiological basis for this, but, from a motivation and adherence perspective, it maximizes my likelihood of success. I can’t afford large blocks of time in my schedule to devote to exercise, but I can carve out more frequent smaller blocks of time. In these shorter, more frequent sessions, I can specialize my training (e.g., cardio v. weights; splitting body parts; etc.). If, by circumstance, I have to miss a session the cost is reduced and higher priority sessions can be made up.
Intellectually, I believe it important to read regularly. Being in academics, this is necessary; but, from a well-centered approach, I believe it is important to be broadly read. I try to read outside of my field of “expertise.”
Devour information! Read as many books as you can. Use the Internet wisely. And share information—conversation and social interaction helps to develop our overall well-centeredness. In sharing ideas, it is important to be open to ideas. Too often, we gravitate to resources that support our ideas and fail to allow for the healthy challenge of our views.
Emotionally, we need to regularly find that place where we can relax, reflect, and renew. This, too, needs to be frequent and regular. We don’t need to spend a lot of time in mediation, but we need regular resets throughout the day.
Socially, we need relationships. There is no success if we are alone or if it comes at the cost of family and friends. It would seem that our relationships are the greatest cost in pursuing accomplishment. This need never be the case. A small investment in others pays great dividends. Take advantage of the opportunities to interact with others. Even as we invest ourselves in our careers, education, athletic pursuits, etc., there is always time to include others. As a parent, as a husband, as a son, as a brother, as a friend, as a professor, as a neighbor,…, my opportunities are limited. I have to make the most of every moment (carpe momento!!).
“Count the cost” is great advice for any pursuit. Better advice might be to “weigh the costs”. Don’t expend effort on the things that don’t add value to your life and the lives of others. Focus on the things that maximize performance. Be your best today; be better tomorrow!
“Think of yourself as on the threshold of unparalleled success. A whole, clear, glorious life lies before you. Achieve! Achieve!”–Andrew Carnegie