"The Hard Routine"

In the May CrossFit Journal, Jason Dougherty wrote about a concept called "The Hard Routine". In the article it describes "The Hard Routine" as primarily an exercise in mental toughness. As such, it is vital to grasp the component of psychology that permeates the hard routine. In any rigorous endeavor, the bedrock for success lies in the mindset of the individual. The hard routine grants the willing participant entry into a hard sanctum located in a lucid place of the mind, free of the “soft” psychological distractions and habits that can hinder sustained changes in action. In short, it boils down to denial of self-indulgence.
Now... I could go into a long conversation about self-indulgence and what this is to a follower of Jesus. Self-indulgence is excessive indulgence of one's own appetites and desires. I will leave that conversation for another post!

The principles of setting up a hard routine are simple. Following them is too, but it takes total commitment.
1. Recognize that there is a benefit to not getting everything you want.
2. Understand that mental toughness is born of adversity; that it will atrophy if not consistently engaged; and that it carries over to everything you do.
3. Objectively scrutinize one or a handful of things in your life that you think you need but could actually do without.
4. Deny yourself those exact things for a specified period of time.

I started reading a book today called -
"Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot" by James Stockdale (click to read).
In summary the book is about Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale, a fighter pilot on his second tour over North Vietnam. He was shot down and taken as a prisoner of war in Hanoi for 7 1/2 years. He was tortured 15 times, put in leg irons for two years, and put in solitary confinement for four years. This experience was the crucible for his philosophical thought on issues of character, leadership, integrity, personal and public virtue, and ethics. His story is centered around the theme of how man can rise with dignity to prevail in the face of adversity.
In the next couple posts I plan on outlining a "Hard Routine" for my life that will start June 09, 2008. I will continue to read this book along with the Bible with a hope of starting something new! A deeper understanding of what self-indulgence is and how a follower of Jesus lives and interacts with it. A deeper understanding of how (in a healthy way)to deny the self of indulgences.

to be continued....

WOD: Rest both Saturday and Sunday