Reflection on replication

At some point in the journey we must transition from replicating what we want, to actually pursuing a deeper understanding of the details surrounding what it is we want. For example, at one point I wanted to compete in CrossFit style workouts. I figured the quickest and best way to do that would be from doing the workouts prescribed. So prescribed was what I was chasing. I thought that through repeated contact with prescribed weights, reps and movements would allow me to adapt and get me to where I thought I should be - competeing and doing well. What I didn't realize until much later was that this was just a first step in a much longer, gradual, humbling journey to get fit/healthy/strong. I have only realized since then, that it's not enough to just simply want to and then try to replicate what "the big boys" are doing - it's not effective, and as I found out the hard way - it's not safe.
I saw something that looked easy to replicate, so I attempted it and was able to roughly replicate it, paying no mind to the nuance, the discipline, the journey, or the intangibles that were present. However, at some point we have to roll up our sleeves and dig in. We have to make our way to the nuances of a pursuit. In this case, some of the things I was ignoring were technique on the lifts, mobility, core stability, pacing, and working on weaknesses.

In anything we pursue, we must at some point shift from replicating to exploring, understanding and implementation of nuance if we expect to sustain or especially if we intend to improve. It's not enough to buy a barbell and replicate what I see on youtube (which I thought was enough). It's not enough, it's the beginning. I am not saying this in a condescending manner, telling you how to live. I'm saying this about myself in hindsight pertaining to my situation, as a reminder to myself going forward.

It's okay to start that way, you may stumble into a passion you weren't aware of. I advise to dig for depth though, not width.

(pic from the Google)

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Veteran Mettle

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