By Linda T. Gottlieb, MA, CPT, CET
Aaron Nurick, professor of Management and Psychology at Bentley University and author of The Good Enough Manager: the Making of a GEM has an interesting premise: “Good Enough Can be GREAT.”
Hmmmmm, thanks Aaron, for the reminder that in our country “good enough” often falls short when compared against excellence and perfection. Geesh! When I think about fitness and a cancer experience (whether current, past or chronic), I can agree with the Good Enough theory as I encourage you to be “good enough” in your fitness efforts.
So, I renamed Aaron’s GEM acronym for our use today to “Good Enough Mover” – it’s the individual that gets exercise in most days of the week, who thinks about what they are choosing to eat and takes time out to breathe deeply and appreciate their day, even if some of it was spent in an infusion room or at the lab.
My GEM is a person that understands and puts to work the principles of cardiovascular activity, and walks more than the average American’s 3,000 steps a day.
My GEM locates that pedometer hidden in that junk drawer and sets a step goal for their day and week. They uncover those dumb bells and lift them while enjoying their evening television shows, and take a few luxurious moments before bedtime to stretch each muscle and chase tension away. They get better sleep and find their clothes are more comfortable.
Not many folks are performance athlete material, and yet we see fitness model’s tan, sculpted bodies on many magazine covers and thousands of advertisements in print, on TV or online.
These folks are gorgeous, but they make my life and work harder! Not many people want to dedicate their lives to the gym, but they do want to look and feel better. Good Enough Movers can accomplish that and a whole lot more!
Leave excellence and perfection to the body builders and Olympians and enjoy the benefits of moving your body- it’s not only Good Enough, it’s Great!