Gavin provides us with our topic for musing today.
You recently invited the readers of this blog to engage in more counter discussion of positions you have taken (to paraphrase you). Not your first time, and not surprising to anybody that frequents the KL. I think your mind would spin out of control if you went a day without a challenge, a task to conquer. Have you ever considered the irony of a person in today’s spotlight pleading (need to learn italics in this format) to be critiqued, to be prodded? But that question is not my official (pretend italics) question. With authenticity and transparency ingrained, how much internal and external conflict does this create in what is essentially your high-profile, corporate gig, where some degree of counter behavior will be asked of you quite often? Do you think you can change corporate/business culture more than it can change you?
Gavin, you’re a stud. Your questions and comments are always sharpening. Thank you.
First, I would not call my occupation corporate nor high profile, although I certainly work for a corporation. Player Development is human development masquerading as a baseball endeavor.
No small percentage of the reason I continue to write this blog while working in baseball is because I know players peruse it. I may reach out to a player while on the field or at my (standing) desk. But this forum offers another method of connection. When no one else is around, I can share general philosophies without putting anyone on the spot. I have a space to wax about something totally off the cuff and then follow up with a player later. Hopefully, it sparks debate or a productive conversation. I can refer back to posts on nutrition, body language, speed, power…whatever. We can sharpen and be sharpened, inspire and be inspired. Isn’t that what we all live for?
For that very reason, authenticity is vital. In order to relate to another human being, we must clearly indicate that we stand on common ground. That means acting like us in any given moment, while perpetually hunting for the strongest version of ourselves. Some days we are perfectly on point, other days we display our highs and lows. Perhaps we get pissed off and get loud, perhaps we’re relaxed and having fun. Those are important to display, independent of the forum.
So, I’m not trying to change corporate or business culture. I maintain my flexibility, but stay true to my core beliefs and practices. We shouldn’t be so malleable that an office environment removes my soul. We are trying to connect with other human beings, and we can’t always do that face-to-face. Sometimes it has to be on the phone or via text. This blog is another format to prompt debate, action or assumption questioning. It’s a place to remove some boundaries while remaining responsible and cognizant of my audience. Otherwise, I’d just write about John Lee Hooker on the guitar, and you’d be bored to death.
Strong mind,
Kap
As a reminder, feel free to leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below. Any topic is fair game.
I’ve been a follower of KL for a while now and enjoy you sharing everything. You seem to end up discussing topics that I am interested in hearing about. I have a question about children and technology. I think it’s important to an extent for children to be introduced to technology because of the large part of life and business now. But do you think that it limits their imagination and their attention span because it’s so easy for them to fulfill that quick need of satisfaction. I’m mainly talking about tablets and smart phones. Hope to hear your thoughts. Go sox!
Kap,
I know you are French press freshly ground black coffee representin’, but I was wondering what your thoughts are on green tea. I like to believe that it is all natural and truly does deliver the health benefits that it proclaims, but it wouldn’t be smart if I wasn’t at least a little bit skeptical.
Here’s to your good health,
Mike
I would be very interested in your thoughts on John Lee Hooker. I love music, I studied it in college. I’m always fascinated by what people listen too. So my question is what’s on your playlist?
Hey Kap,
Couple if quick questions on how you attack your 5×5 routine. Do you have a specific amount of time you rest in between sets or do you just go by feel for when you’re ready for next set? Also do you ever mix in incline/decline bench or is it always flat bench?
Thanks Kap.
Greg
What happened to the 5×5 plateau? Longtime KL follower and interested in following up on the struggle. (Feel like it’s the most important part) Always appreciate the motivation.
@Boston: as a teacher (high school English, mostly) I would say, go as slow as possible with the technology when your kids are young—including TV and videos! Get them outside, exploring, experiencing new things directly, using their bodies. When it’s time to rest, read to them and, later, give them time to read to themselves (while you read your book next to them). Anyone who has given a grandparent an iPad knows that the tech skills are very quick and easy to pick up. When they start to spend most of their time with peers, believe me, they will catch up. The early years are best spent without tech as much as possible. Get them outside, using their bodies, and turn them into lifetime readers. The rest will take care of itself.
Those of you looking for a one-stop link for everything you need to know about why you and your loved ones need to quit sugar may appreciate this: http://www.goodhabitsgoodstudents.com/blog/2011/05/02/kick-the-sugar-habit—or-else-it-will-surely-kick-you/ .
I shook John Lee Hooker’s hand one time. It was like shaking hands with a huge pat of butter. It was after a solo gig, just Hooker and guitar on a sheet of plywood. He needed no drummer; his left foot was good enough. “…it’s in him/ and it’s got to get out.” A mantra for all of us seekers.
Kap,
What is your take on a ketogenic diet to build muscle and lose body fat
Mike