In February of every year, I already witness commitments to health span evaporate. The most relevant and proven lifestyle habit to healthy living is physical exercise. Despite this, in the gym that I frequent, February attendance each year is about 40% down vs. January.
Many gym starters can be seen on their mobile phones, scrolling on social media between sets. Technology may have revolutionised our lives, making many things more convenient and efficient, but progress in fitness is a lifelong analog journey.
Progress in fitness cannot be seen or felt at the start, yet the internet has made us accustomed to instant gratification, creating a sense of impatience. This is a big reason that many starters do not stay on the journey, and thus never find their purpose in keeping fit and strong.
I see leadership (my lens) in people’s behaviour much more than I do in any piece of university paper. At the gym I see many investing in a personal trainer yet spending time between sets on their mobile. My way would be to use that rest time to gain knowledge (for free) from the qualified trainer. Productivity was a big part of how I was conditioned.
Furthermore, personal trainers mostly do not call out that “internet” behaviour. In my role of leadership coaching, I have honest confrontational interactions even though many would prefer me to reinforce their behaviour, but that does not push great people to be even better.
I love the analogue experience of physical exercise, whether in the gym or hiking with others, building meaningful relationships. My mind slows down and is more strategic. I get to appreciate the simple things in life. It is my meditation and source of inspiration for many things. It is my time to unplug from devices and to relish in the moment.
We need balance, a balanced approach to technology, to use technology wisely and responsibly.
Think Bigg-r 