The pursuit of excellence is one of the greatest things anyone can do. Unfortunately it is a rarer thing than most people believe. Everybody, absolutely everybody, is guilty of not pursuing excellence. I certainly am and so are you. I like to think that in all areas of my life–work, relationship, training, hobbies–I have consistently striven for excellence, but deep down, I know that there have been times when I did not. And, while the result of most of those times was harmless, I know that there have been a few times when I let others and myself down. In all honestly, those times bother me still.
The pursuit of excellence is, without a shred of doubt, its own goal. Think about it for a moment. Look back on your own life. Look at your life now. When were you happiest? When are you happiest? The most fulfilled? Satisfied? I bet it was or is when you pursued excellence. It just happens that way.
Not only do we not always pursue excellence, but we are even more rarely in a situation where we are completely surrounded by the pursuit of excellence. Think about the places where you spend a lot of time. Are you surrounded by excellence at work? I haven’t always pursued excellence at work and I doubt everyone else does. Constantly pursuing excellence is not the same as always being in a frenzy of activity. Motion does not always connote forward motion. It is not just action, but a deliberate choice.
A CrossFit gym is one place where I just about always see the pursuit of excellence. The only exception is beginners who are just kind of window shopping. They usually don’t last. Constantly striving for excellence is just too intense for them. And that’s ok. CrossFit certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. And if they do last, then their attitude changes, their goals change, and they slowly begin to recognize that wonderful Japanese saying that “a master of something reveals that mastery in his or her every action.”
In a CrossFit gym, you can be surrounded by the pursuit of excellence. And it is a great thing, a wonderful feeling. It is both uplifting and driving. So strong that it is palpable. This is one of the reasons people like to be in a CrossFit gym, why going to an affiliate is so fun, almost addictive, why people stop by and hang out even if they aren’t training. In a CrossFit gym, excellence is the rule, not the exception to it. Surrounding yourself with that kind of energy feels good.
CrossFit has its own saying about excellence and the pursuit of it. ”Virtuosity is doing the commonplace uncommonly well.” Look back at the Japanese saying about mastery above. The two are the same. It is easy to strive for excellence in the uncommon, or in a single venue. It is much more difficult and nobler a calling to strive for excellence–virtuosity–in the everyday. And far more rewarding.
Not all will agree or perhaps even understand, but beyond strength and speed and stamina, this lesson is one of the greatest benefits of CrossFit.
Please post thoughts to Comments.
Workout(courtesy of CrossFit Football):
AMRAP in 15 minutes
7 Front Squats 70%1RM
7 Burpee Pullups
Post score to Comments.
Sam, I think this post comes at quite an opportune time. With the start of the Paleo challenge, it is the first time many of you have tinkered with your diet. Nutrition is the best performance enhancer out there, and for many of you, you will be shocked how much better you feel and perform during the workouts after eating strict paleo for a week or two. Many of you are entering this challenge in the “pursuit of excellence”.
A CFWSC athlete who normally trains at the 6 am class (which means I rarely see him) walked into the gym today. I hadn’t seen him for nearly a month when we had a nutrition consultation. This athlete was looking for changes in health, performance, and body composition. After adhering to the paleo STRICTLY for three weeks, he told me he has lost 5 pounds, feels great, pr’d 50 pounds on his deadlift and his allergies cleared up!!!
This athlete LOOKED, PERFORMED and FELT better. The exact signs of a dialed nutritional approach.
Now that many of you have been eating paleo for a couple days, how are you feeling? Do you have any questions?
*Remember that many of you might be going through a “detox” period now that you have changed your diets drastically. So, even if you feel like crap now, stick it out, I promise it will get better.
There was an article on another affiliates blog that I read and was blown away by. At the end of it, it said “courtesy of CF West Santa Cruz” so I came to your site to see if there were any other articles. I am amazed at the level of professionalism, drive, respect, determination…(the list could go on), that you all have. The pieces that are written are so motivational and make me want to be not just a better CrossFitter or coach, but a better person! You guys really have something great going on there. Thanks for representing the CrossFit community in such a great way.
Thanks for this post.
Wow, thanks Mat. We all work very hard to make CF West a top notch CrossFit box and I really appreciate your comments. New England is a long way away, but if you every have the chance, stop by and train with us.
Kyle, I couldn’t agree with you more. Going Paleo, which I did about 4 years ago, was the most profound dietary change of my life. I tinker with my diet and currently eat dairy, but I can’t imagine ever going back. I love the results that the CF West athletes are getting and the news about Colin’s allergies just blew me away. It is amazing how much is connected and can be controlled by diet.
After reading Sams’ posts I find my self alternately inspired, and a little intimidated. But, that is my own nature to work with. More so, it is just exciting to witness commitment with so much integrity. It is a level to aspire towards for sure.This stands for all the coaches, and atletes that I have met at the box in the last several weeks, what a treasure chest of great peeps….
Great post Sam. As you mentioned, in life, you aren’t always surrounded by the pursuit of excellence which can make it tough to stay on track with your own pursuit. The CrossFit box is one of those rare places where you are almost always surrounded by that thirst and that drive to be better. It makes it a truly special place.
[...] can go here to see a picture of me and some of my fellow CFers. I will warn you that a few minutes of browsing the CF West [...]