On Fridays I like to share experiences I’ve had during the week with patients and in my personal life that I’ve found significant. I like to share them in hopes that you might find value in them and have something resonate with you in your life.
An interesting observation. I would estimate that in each week, I talk to at least 10-15 patients or people in my personal life that are what I would call “Know it all’s.” They come for my help or ask my advice only to then begin telling me everything they know, while ignoring anything I might have to say. The problem is most of these people know extraordinarily little. In fact, most usually only know enough to get in their own way.
This is common, we all know those people that are “experts” on anything/everything and aren’t afraid to tell you so or criticize you. In my experience, the people that truly know the most never feel they must prove it to you. They are confident in what they know and share information and experience with you when necessary. The harder someone works to convince me they know everything, the more I believe they do not.
Something that has been helping me. One of my patients is a medical massage therapist and we got into a conversation about stretching. She mentioned to me how important it is to hold stretches for 40-60 seconds. I am naturally flexible and impatient, so my usual routine usually consists of a few random stretches for 10-15 seconds each before and/or after exercise. Based on her expertise however, I decided to try it.
Holding the stretches for 40 seconds has made a tremendous difference for me. Before going on a run, I do quad, hamstring, adductor, and hip flexor stretches in this manner and my legs have felt much fresher and looser. I repeat this after the run and have noticed my legs are recovering far faster than usual. Even doing one set of a longer duration stretches, seems to be having a positive effect on the muscle I’m targeting. Try it and see what you think!
Something to remember. Have you ever struggled with a tough decision over something major in your life? Certainly, you have. Often these decisions are so difficult because whichever way you choose can have both pluses and minuses, as well as long-term ramifications. That’s why I always like to remind people (and myself) that not every decision will come with thunderous applause. Many of the best decisions you make in your lifetime may be criticized initially.
It’s important to weigh all options but eventually go with your gut. Your choice may not be right for everyone, but if it’s ethical, made in good faith, and you believe it’s the correct one for you, that’s what matters. I would estimate that the decisions I’ve made in my life of which I am the proudest, less than half were thought to be the right move by those around me at the time.
Something I heard and loved. “Put an expiration date on it.” This was the advice of Eric Thomas, a well-known motivational speaker I enjoy listening to. I believe mistakes we’ve made, times we’ve been wronged, regrets we have, past experiences, perceived failures, you name it; can become like an anchor in our lives if we’re not careful. I would also add that we don’t want to coast on past triumphs and successes either. Both prevent us from moving forward in the way we should. In either case, let the best of your times and the worst of your times have an expiration date so that you can move ahead the best you can in the present.
Some quotes I love.
“If an old dude ever gives you advice while peeling an apple with a pocketknife and eating pieces right off the blade, you should probably take it.”
“Many things are not equal, but everyone gets the same 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We make time for what we truly want.”
“Until it’s your turn, keep clapping for others.”
“You cannot predict your final day, so go hard for the good times while you can.” – Kenny Stabler
“I’ve got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.” – Larry Bird
“Stop letting your past define you. It was a lesson, not a life sentence.”
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