Knowledge vs Application
I remember I once read in high school a quote by John F. Kennedy “In a time of turbulence and change, it is more true than ever that knowledge is power” and for years I truly believed that there was nothing more powerful than acquiring as much knowledge as possible if you wanted to be the best at what you did. As a former soccer coach and architect understanding the “how” behind the process around me became my golden rule in everything I did in life. However, during the past months I’ve come to look at knowledge under a different lens. Knowledge without application or practice is fruitless. In other words, I believe that all knowledge gained becomes obsolete when it fails to translate into action in your own life.
Knowledge is not power, it is only potential. Applying that knowledge is power. Understanding why and when to apply that knowledge is wisdom!
-Takeda Shingen
In a time when you can get information on just about any question you could possibly have, in seconds from anywhere in the world this could not be more true. Think about it, if by simply knowing meant you had power, then just access to Google would mean that you would be the most powerful person on the planet? As a fitness professional I see this all the time, when people I am working with approach me to ask about a particular diet they want to do or ask what is the easiest way to achieve their physical goal is, or even more specific like how and why they keep getting the same injury. Just because I take the time to explain to them various ways to approach nutrition in order to establish better eating habits does not mean that they immediately will successfully apply them and get rid of any negative habit forever. Nor just because I go over with them how and why they keep getting injured doesn’t means that they will go home and never do it again. It takes more than knowing the “how to’s” to shift mindsets, create new habits, improve movements, develop an awareness around nutrition, change any kind of behavior, and more importantly achieve your personal lifestyle and physical goals.
The reality is that translating knowledge into actions is difficult and complex. One thing is certain though, in order to see how one can apply life’s lessons and all the knowledge gained throughout the years one must be willing to accept that there will be failure along the way. One must be able to question, assess, act, and reassess. Nowadays, it is easy to get frustrated with the world and with the inconsistency that surrounds us. You can’t blame yourself for not being able to keep up the energy day in and day out when you are waking up to a hyper stressful world to begin with. Your environment will play a big part in how you feel and respond everyday. This is why it is key that you surround yourself with people who will listen to you but also push you, motivate you and are patient with you.
In the fitness and theater industry it is easy to find people who are capable of guiding you through the entire assimilation process of going from absorbing the information to dissecting the information and ultimately applying the filters necessary to be able to choose what truly matters and directly affects the kind of artist and person you want to become. Nowadays, based on the over-saturation we are exposed to on social media platforms it feels like there is an abundance in numbers of these kind of professionals; you have personal trainers, fitness professionals, Broadway coaches, life coaches, voice coaches, vocal coaches, dance instructors, mentors, you name it. All expecting you to look and decide what is the best option for you.
How are you supposed to know who and what kind of guidance you need at this moment? (well this brings me to my last reference I promise!)
There are four types of men in this world: 1. The man who knows, and knows that he knows; he is wise, so consult him. 2. The man who knows, but doesn't know that he knows; help him not forget what he knows. 3. The man who knows not, and knows that he knows not; teach him. 4. Finally, there is the man who knows not but pretends that he knows; he is a fool, so avoid him.
Solomon Ibn Gabirol
In my opinion in fitness as in life, one must be open to take a look inside to fully understand where they are in their life in relation to where they want to be. I want to be clear about this, understand where THEY are as individuals in relation to THEIR life, not in relation to other people’s lives.
There is incredible power in the ability to assess the mistakes others have made around you and the mistakes you have made up to that point. You must have the willingness, readiness and motivation to take risks and be uncomfortable in order to change. Unfortunately, change is not based on a specific formula. My formula does not apply to your formula, and viceversa. You must understand that we as individuals have to put in work (I am referring to the effort sense of the word here) to make a difference in our own lives whether it be internal or external outcomes we are seeking. Work that goes along with what we need and who we are, not sacrificing our individual integrity. Step away from focusing on the minute details of one day, instead look at the week, month, year and work backwards from there.
Your best guide is always going to be the option that takes you one step closer to refining who you are, supports your integrity, strengthens the pillar you are struggling the most with(mental, emotional, or physical), encourages your successes and your failures, encourages you to learn, apply and learn again, and is honest enough to accept when he/she is not the right person to help you achieve your goal.
Honestly somebody who has fallen often, but has learned every time how to get up and not fall the same way again.
Take a step. Any step.
