The secret to building muscular bulk
The secret to building muscular bulk
Know which moments really matter
Tussling with friends, a child drifts into the deep section of the pool, struggling to keep his head above the surface. For the keen observer, he is choking. No adult notices, however, glued instead to small electronic screens.
From the outside, lifeguarding is the easiest, high paying job for teenagers. From the inside, it is a tiresome sequence of rules. Perch on a lifeguard stand. Stare at people having fun. Search for looming threats. No naps. No texting. Avoid conversations with friends. Resist distractions - regardless of whether a stunning model swims laps or a quinceañera rolls by in floaties.
Lifeguard training and months of nothingness prepared you for this exact moment. Jump in and save the kid. There might be two opportunities for bravery per summer. You will remember these moments as powerful memories of what you are capable of in the face of danger. Some of the happiest moments in retrospect (not at the time). Even if nobody else notices.
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The human brain is not a fan of weightlifting. Muscular growth requires serious energy expenditure. The body prefers to save energy for fundamental functions such as acquiring calories, avoiding diseases, fending off enemies, and securing a mate. Here’s a secret to building muscle: to force muscle growth, you have no choice, you must roam past the point of exhaustion.
Ten bicep curl repetitions are nothing more than preparation for squeezing out a final two that seem impossible.
Just remember that form cannot be compromised or the reward is an injury instead of a form-fitting shirt. Sticking rigidly to a system of 6-12 repetitions will not produce sufficient fitness gains. Enlist in an hour of training for a few impactful seconds. Then repeat, over and over.
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There is much to learn from lifeguards and weightlifters, and those who spend countless hours to capitalize on a few fleeting moments (such as soccer players, fire fighters, police officers, and teachers).
It’s the beauty of the mundane.
If someone asks, “what’ve you been up to?” there is not much of a story in discussing a day of reading on a lounge chair. And yet, this is what keeps your mind sharp. There is not much of a story in talking to your child about why some people are shy. And yet, this is what builds their mental template of individual differences.
Anticipate and savor the premium moments - when there is a sense of awe, intrigue, surprise, love, and tranquility.
Appreciate seemingly arduous moments of training and preparation. Within your seemingly inconsequential practice lies the seeds of fortitude, growth, and glory.
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Extra Curiosities
I am thrilled to be giving a new talk on “Cultivating Curiosity” as part of the very first PrevailWellnessAcademy virtual summit. Join me and 25 other speakers on a journey to antifragility. You get access to every talk for an entire year. Here is the link to an insanely low early bird price.
I love this Guardian article about what someone learned from 10 years of therapy. Get insights without awkward waiting room conversations.
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Dr. Todd B. Kashdan is the author of The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively (Avery/Penguin) and a Professor of Psychology who leads The Well-Being Laboratory at George Mason University.
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