A Lost Concept

When I was first discovering this "thing" CrossFit, I spent hours on the CrossFit Journal website reading, learning and trying to grasp the bigness of this idea of general physical preparedness.  I had lifted a lot of weights, run long distances and short, as well as cycle, play football and a host of other sports related activities before I was introduced to, what I feel, is the cornerstone for success in CrossFit...and life.

In an early Journal publication, Coach Glassman (founder of CrossFit) introduced the concept of virtuosity: doing the common things uncommonly well.  From his viewpoint, this was the difference maker between good results and great results in the gym.  Establish quality, reproducible movements and positions that give the athlete the best opportunity to be successful in accomplishing the task at hand.

For most athlete's this means keeping the bar back when initiating a deadlift, or elbows high and outside during the clean.  Being flawless in the execution of the finer points of a movement is, many times, the difference between a failed attempt and a personal best.  And, so it is in life.

Doing common things uncommonly well is not merely reserved for your time in the gym, but can be extrapolated to all facets of life.  Imagine how much more success you could have in your career if you invested the time in mastering the finer aspects of what you do?  A salesman that practices virtuosity might invest a fair amount of time in developing a good opening and close, but what about the rest of the sales experience? A bank teller could be a magician on the 10 key, but what about building solid rapport with each customer?  A nurse may have the friendliest demeanor, gentlest smile and perfect bed side manner, but take 3 attempts at actually getting the vein for a blood draw.

You can even look beyond career examples and see this concept of virtuosity play out in relationships.  Do you take time each day to tell your spouse how much they mean to you?  Sure, you might provide a nice lifestyle, home and vehicle, but are you doing the common loving things exceptionally well?  Do you hug your kids each day, whether they want it or not?  A virtuous relationship is strong, solid, and more importantly, provides a shining example of how not cutting corners, skipping steps or letting simple "meaningless" thing slide results in an immensely satisfying and fulfilling experience.

Virtuosity is a lost concept in our society of weak relationships, tumultuous business environments and personal disengagement.  I dare to think about how great our family, career, or even our country could be if we all began to strive for more virtuous efforts in all aspects of our lives.  When complacency and laziness push us towards doing just enough to get by, all hopes of virtuosity are gone.  Like one of my mentors once said, "when you once lick the lollipop of mediocrity, you will suck forever."

Practicing virtuosity, in any environment, requires discipline and commitment.  Discipline to apply all of your knowledge, talent and skill knowing full well that no one else may ever know or notice your efforts.  Commitment to yourself in understanding that anything less than your best effort is unacceptable...to you.  When you accept the challenge of virtuosity, expect some frustration and challenge. Yet, more importantly, expect more personal best's!