One of the truly helpful pieces of advice I’ve received (and done my best to share) over the years has related to the idea of the combination of strengths, insights, values, and skills that is uniquely yours. Superheroes who shoot lasers out of their eyes or fly or… this guy.
It’s far more likely (and interesting) that your special thing is the at the centre of a very unique Venn diagram – something far more complex. The thing about unique abilities, though, is that they’re not always apparent to the people who have them. It’s a funny little paradox but it makes sense. After all, you’re most aware of the skills you’ve consciously laboured over. Meanwhile, the things that come effortlessly may not even show up as a blip on your mental radar; you might believe they come easily to everyone. And you might only learn the truth as an adult. Especially if you’re a member of the Struggles to Take a Compliment Club.
Exercise, by definition, doesn’t come easily. Anyone – at any level – has to challenge themselves, which is part of the deal. But that discomfort sometimes hides unique abilities within it. Here, the Venn diagram might include physical strength, stamina, or coordination. Then again, it may include intellectual or emotional components. Some people have physical gifts but others’ gifts have to do with getting the job done. And I know that you know at least one person who was incredibly athletic when they were younger but did not stay in the game – or adapt it to their current life.
Unique abilities in movement are whole-body thing that includes the hardware you’ve got and the way you use it. I see all kinds of unique abilities on the floor at Bang. People tap into focus. Or patience. Or the ability to navigate tough feelings or subtle sensations. But these abilities aren’t in a vacuum – they’re in the context of practicing, playing, or really digging in. Some keep the dialogue internal. Others say it all with their expressions. Some banter. Some bitch (but still get it done). It’s all beautiful and individual. In time, a person’s exercise practice takes on a unique signature.
For example, my love for my own sport of choice didn’t arrive out of any particular gifts. I just didn’t find that physical or emotional discomfort got in the way of a good time. I didn’t need to win, in other words, to feel successful. Now, I’ve developed a very recognizable game that fits my body, mind, and sense of play.
Can an organization have unique abilities? Of course. Here, I think one of ours comes out of a movement-first philosophy. The mechanics of exercise seem straightforward in many ways. But humans are complex systems within complex systems. So, a lot of the magic in effective, sustainable exercise comes down to helping people connect to their own bodies, build skills rooted in that connection, and then expand and explore in ways that are personally meaningful. It beats the hell out of doing burpies til you puke.
Here’s another way to say it:
We support a lifelong exercise practice by providing a well equipped, psychologically safe environment with expert coaching.
That one’s in the deck. Which we’re using as we prepare for a move later this summer. This is major and there’s a lot I want to tell you. But, for now, how about this:
We’re getting ready to move! There’s a ton I’d love to share with you about it but that will have to wait. All I can tell you for now is that it’s close and it’s great. Oh, and that we want to offer you an amazing deal: $179 for 2 Group Personal Training sessions per week for four weeks (8 total)! Interested? Get in while we still have space for you. Just hit reply and tell me when to call. I’ll set you up.
This offer was time-limited to the run-up to the move and is no longer available.
Have a wonderful long weekend!
GG
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One essay a week, written by Geoff. No hype.