Sabotage

I find it a bit humorous that I was just writing a blog on learning lessons in life...and then I got slapped with another one today.  Both are sports related, and thank goodness, I can say that it was a different lesson...or at this point you could just stop reading.  But if it is any sort of consolation, I am really consistent at learning the hard way, which always makes for a good story.

First, there are three things you need to know for any of this to make sense.
1.  I am stubborn.
2.  I have a tendency to try and find perfection in some of the things I do, especially when it comes down to finding a solution to something that presents a challenge.
3.  In order to achieve my perceived perfection, I will spend countless hours watching and studying techniques, research different view points and cues that may spark an "oh, I didn't think about that", and if I find something that might work for me, I have to test it out.

Now, this did not just begin overnight or last night for that matter.  When I was in high school, I wanted to become a better, more consistent shooter.  In order to learn the correct mechanics, I would spend hours and hours watching Larry Bird and Pete Maravich games and videos.  The next chance I got, I would head outside and practice until it was too dark to see.  I did the same thing in college because I wanted to be a threat as a 3pt shooter.  I spent an entire summer on the court at the YMCA, but when I returned to school in the fall, it paid off and I shot and made more 3pters than I had in my previous three seasons combined.

BUT, and I emphasize the "but", there are times when the endless, some may even call it obsessive, pursuit of perfection can backfire.  And/or just straight blow up in your face.  Today, the fuse was lit and the bomb squad was on stand-by.  There are only so many warnings you get until the person warning you just flat out says enough is enough...time to prove my point.

Over training.  That is what happens when you become obsessed with perfecting a single movement.  And while in my mind, I simply want to get better at it...the truth is I am actually being completely counter productive in gaining the stength needed to execute the movement all-together.  So today, my training consisted of lots of overhead and fundamental exercises that wore the hell out of my shoulders, triceps, traps, and anything else that is related to pressing.  This would be my third day in a row to work on presses.  Due to the overload I created on the first two days, I was unable to complete any heavy reps on the one day that I needed to.  A wise grandma once told me that I was going to "sabotage myself".  And so I did...if only I had listened the first eighteen times.

In summary, when you have a far more experienced and successful person telling you what is good for you...it just might be the truth.  There is a damn good chance they have either learned by their own trial and error, or quite possibly are just looking out for your best interests...or both.  For me and my upper body, lesson learned...the hard way.