Hey there, KL readers. As you may have heard, I’m headed back to work in baseball. I’m genuinely ecstatic. You’ve been following for some time, so you’ve likely heard me throw out the JFK quote, “Do not pray for easier lives, pray for stronger men.” I believe through building stronger men and women, we make the world a safer, more negotiable place. I’ll have a chance to contribute to that mission in my new role with the Dodgers.
Many of you have asked if I’ll still write this blog. The answer is unequivocally yes. Here’s the beautiful thing: This blog is meant in large part for men and women trying to find their place in a very confusing environment. Guess who fits that mold? Right. Young baseball players. Yes, I’ll write this blog for you. Yes, I’ll write this blog for them. And yes, I’ll write this blog for me.
Let’s get to this week’s open thread.
Mike:
Kap, when you reach a weight goal on the 5×5 do you automatically go up in weight the following week? If so how much?
Mike,
I’ve reached a point in my 5×5 where, despite my best efforts, I’m not adding weight. On stronger days I might be up in plates; on weaker days you might find me down. However, for someone with the capability to continue to add, I strongly suggest incrementally adding weight over time. Here’s what I wrote in a previous post for folks just discovering the 5×5:
Particularly for beginners, I recommend a substantial ramp up phase to weight training. Start with little weight and very low reps. For example, if the 5×5 is the goal, start with one or two reps and incrementally build each workout from there until you reach 5 sets and 5 reps.
Once you reach a safe place where you are solid in form, I certainly suggest adding week over week if you’re able and recovering well.
Hope that helps,
Kap
Hey Kap I tend to lack confidence in most things I do, from school, work and social settings and my fitness regimen. just wondering if you have any tips on how to deal with my lack of confidence?
Wow, Jordan. It’s pretty brave of you to reach out for help on such a major issue in your life. I’d suggest you take pride in that alone. Most folks would have a hard time saying that out loud, and you did so in a very public setting with your name attached. Start by being aware that you displayed courage. Kudos to you.
If I was in your shoes, I’d drill into the places in my life where I feel confident. You said that you lack confidence in “most” sections. That tells me you have areas that make you puff your chest out a bit. I suggest further developing, even to the degree of mastery, the things that make you feel strong.
Personally, I gain confidence by taking the first step towards things that make me feel uncomfortable. Check out these powerful words from Eleanor Roosevelt:
We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.
I think you should practice risk assessment.
Perhaps you’re already behaving courageously simply by putting yourself out there in the settings you called out. Don’t stop. Be bold in your social interactions. Ask yourself, “what’s my downside?” The answer may be looking silly. If it is, so what? The upside is great. You might find a confidant, lover, or think partner for life.
There are more tangible steps, too. I wrote about changing your body language here and the immediate impact it can have on your confidence. Here’s an important excerpt from a respected social scientist:
Amy Cuddy shares an easy way that anyone can change not only others’ perceptions of them, but the way they feel about themselves — spending two minutes “power posing” with their arms or elbows out, their chin lifted and their posture expansive. Cuddy’s research, done in collaboration with Dana Carney, has shown that adopting the body language associated with dominance for just 120 seconds is enough to create a 20 percent increase in testosterone and a 25 percent decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. In other words, adopting these postures makes a person feel more powerful.
This all boils down to trial and error and mining value at the margins, Jordan. There is no navigation system that will take you from point A to point B, but there are lots of signposts. Keep your eyes peeled.
Kap
Alex Beer says
Kap,
Congrats brother! Well deserved and smart move by the Dodgers! Best of luck to you!
John Beavers says
Congrats Gabe on the gig. Appreciate what you do on KapLifestyle each day.
Matt Cameron says
Hey Gabe,
Congrats the new job. I’m very happy to hear the blog will continue! Your blog has helped me make a ton of progress. I think I’ve read every post, many multiple times. Keep up the good work.
Matt
Brad says
Kap,
Did you see the Sportscenter piece about Steve Weatherford the Giants punter? If not it was basically showing how he is one of the fittest guys in the league. Then toward the end they were in his kitchen and Weatherford showed the bottles of pills he takes. He said he takes 18 pills in the morning and 16 at night. I was wondering what your thoughts are on that? Seems a bit much to me. Congrats on the new job.
Brad
Ed H says
You with the Dodgers will be interesting to see. I see you being analytical, as in using metrics to find needles in the haystack. I see the Dodgers as willing to buy the whole haystack….. My guess is, hiring you means they’ve seen the errors in their ways…
Congrats. That role should allow you a broad spectrum to influence.
Bridget says
Congrats Gabe!!! It’s always nice to know that good things still happen to good people.
Michael says
Congratulations Kap!
Question on your grain free experiment. Will sweet potatoes be your main/only source of complex carbs? And will you be eating more than one today?
Also in regards to sweet potatoes with breakfast. I’m a big fan of cutting one open, stuffing with some sautéed veggies and throw some fried eggs over the top of it all.
Have a good weekend,
Mike
Hollie Hamilton says
Kap, so exciting news, for me it’s bittersweet, I loved watching you on television, you brought such intelligence to the broadcast. Good luck with the Dodgers.
AvengingJackMurphy says
I finally have something to like about the Dodgers. ~ Signed, Padres fan.
Chester says
Chester here. You know, the new stadium is great and all, but there was some things about the “Murph” that I really liked. For instance, ease of access. Take outer parking drive to post marked F1 or K1, and walk a bit longer into the park, but at end of game you are already at the outer drive. More traffic and thinking (ha!) to access Petco via automobile. Also in the Murph — less “frills” but. . . it was a solid park.
Any word on a new batting coach? This is key.
AvengingJackMurphy says
My focus is new batters.
Richie Ernst says
Congrats Muscles Marinara!! If you need an assistant from the East Coast I am available!
M.squared says
Kap-
Is see the dodger job opening up your mind to many more new topics which I am looking forward to.
My only other comment today is that your role should have been here in Oakland. Dude??
Read you mañana. (And congrats)
Chester says
Gabe good luck to you on the new gig (said the Padres fan).
gunther says
kap – the dodgers are incredibly fortunate to have you come on board.. congrats and best wishes!
a sincere thank you for consistently enriching my life with your experience and wisdom.
Chris says
Congrats Kap!
I see a perfect post regarding this on “Decision Making”. You obviously had some other options to pursue and seemed to choose one that allowed you to stay closer to home at least some of the time. Would love to read your thoughts on decision making since we all make decisions, large and small each day.
Kyle G says
Kap, love the quote you used to start this post off, similar to another. “Ask not for a lighter load, but rather for broader shoulders.”
slappythefishman says
Kap,
Congrats, I would wish you the best of luck but with your dedication and attitude you success is guaranteed as well as well deserved
I appreciate you keeping the blog going…have a great one
Rickford5150 says
Gave,
Congrats and welcome to the Dodger family. I had never seen this blog before but it has a lot of great information. So Gabe…can you inbox me a way to get you email? As a Dodger superfan I do scouting reports for the team on Texas HS. My way of giving back to the blue. My contact has moved on but I have a few done that I need to submit. Let me know…
PS – They are MLB quality.
Rick
dbreer23 says
Well I’ll be damned – good for you, Kap. Can’t say that this will convert me to being a Dodgers fan (I bleed Cub blue) but I will be rooting for you! Give ’em, hell!
– Dan
Kelebek Beyaz says
Congratulations on your new job love! Big move by Dodgers-your keen analytical mind will help them greatly.
Also glad you will continue to write and interact with the family here. Keep doing good baby!
Kelebek
Andrew says
I’ve always disliked the Dodgers until now. I might even root for them. I’m just glad you’ll keep the blog going. Congratulations, Gabe!
Michelle says
Congrats! If you need a traveling personal assistant/secretary/training partner, I am available every third Friday from 11:00-3:00