The Danger Of Over-Optimisation
Lessons From A World Champion
We interviewed our second world champion in 4 episodes this week.
If you are a gym bro/sis, you will be familiar with the craze of 'optimal' training that has emerged in the past few years.
People telling you that your close-grip row is about as useless as a chocolate teapot.
But here's a fun fact for you...
The WNBF Pro World Champion DOESN'T TRAIN OPTIMALLY.
I know. I couldn't believe it either.
A bodybuilder who needs to maximise every bit of muscle they can because of lack of steroids doesn't train optimally.
But that's not because he loves the old school, pumpin' iron style of training.
It's because it's just not as enjoyable.
If you have a passion for something and have managed to turn that passion into a career...
The only way it remains a passion is by making sure it's still as enjoyable now it pays the bills.
This is the danger of over-optimising everything.
Unless you find satisfaction in making sure everything is absolutely perfect and on point...
You put yourself in a mental cage that restricts you to only doing things in a certain way.
You decrease your ability to be flexible and adaptable.
Josh's thesis is that he is a 95% bodybuilder.
Meaning that 95% of his inputs do not get missed.
However, he allows himself that 5% wiggle room to stay flexible and enjoy the short time we have here on this strange planet.
I have fallen victim to trying to over-optimise everything in the past and although you do get short-term results...
It's not sustainable or very much enjoyable.
You will achieve far more in the long term by enjoying the journey and being able to work with what you've got, as opposed to needing everything to be done a certain way all of the time.
If this thesis can win Josh a world title in a sport where optimisation is everything, you can apply it to your endeavours too.
Progress With Us Podcast
We brought you two very different episodes this week.
Episode 10: Zak Din - A luxury car dealer who managed to start his business with £70 Ford KA and scale it all the way to having a showroom full of supercars. Zak is a truly great guy and has a bunch of positive energy around him. You can watch the full episode here.
Episode 11: Josh Croggan - The WNBF Pro Mens Physique World Champion. An entertaining and valuable watch. Josh is also an absolute legend and the standard at which he operates at is top-level. You can watch the full episode here.
Lessons From This Week
Why you are stressed...
“Stress doesn’t come from hard work. Stress primarily comes from not taking action over something that you can have some control over.” — Jeff Bezos
Procrastination
A year ago this week, we first had the idea for Progressus Network. It took us 2/3 of a year to film the first episode. You don't lack skill or ability, you lack action. Don't be like us and get started now.
Ultimate Focus Mode
Mornings are for binaural beats, no phone and deep work. Afternoons are for house music, caffeine overdoses and pure output. Trust me, when you feel unfocused in the afternoon just try it.
Thanks for reading guys,
Charlie @ Progressus Network x
P.S. I have a few episode ideas that I want you guys to be a part of so keep your eyes peeled!