June 5, 2013

There Are No Shortcuts by Craig Schloneger

I don’t usually do the shopping in our household.  I’m not very good at it and find it somewhat of a nuisance.  But when I do go shopping, I know exactly what I’m looking for, am quick in making a decision and don’t get pulled into promotional offers or “must have” claims.

There is one exception…. I seem to fall for the “quick fix,” promotional offers every time when it comes to physical fitness.  I am a sucker for the shortcuts that promise 20 minutes a day to look great, be in top cardiovascular shape and build muscle mass.  My buying list is long – treadmill, exercise bike, Tae Bo, Core X, Kettle Bells and most recently a chin-up bar.  When I get bored with these programs, I convince myself that I can accomplish the same thing with a regimen of push-ups, sit-ups and running.

I purchase these programs and equipment with the hope that I will finally find the shortcut that will turn back time, tone my muscles and give me the abs of my 16 year old son. After the initial enthusiasm of a new fitness routine wears off, the same realization hits me every time.  This is not as easy as the great-looking people on the video make it appear and will take some hard work.  There are no shortcuts!

Naturally, the same can be said about many important things in our lives.  There are no shortcuts and it takes a tremendous amount of discipline to achieve spiritual maturity, balanced living, healthy family relationships and life giving friendships.  This is also true as we demonstrate positive leadership principles with our team members.

It takes an immense amount of planning and discipline to communicate well, set expectations, follow-up on commitments and be available for the difficult conversations.  It is too easy to fall back into our predictable routines that lead to bad habits.  Just as the goal of being physically fit doesn’t happen without disciplined work, there are no shortcuts to organizational health.

I want to encourage you to set goals, train hard with a partner and continue practicing the disciplines that are important for emotional, physical, spiritual and organizational health.  I will work to do the same, and may even save some money, as I stay disciplined to the tried and true exercise patterns that will keep me healthy – but please don’t ask to see my abs!

Enjoy a wonderful and healthy summer!