Progress or Perspective
There’s only two roads we take at any given time: progress or perspective.
What should we do when we feel stuck? What could we do instead of going through the motions? What strategy could take us from standard functionality to high-energy vitality?
In Adam Atler’s book titled, Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck and Thrive When It Matters Most, he writes about inevitable plateaus and “friction epochs” we all experience at some point in our lives. A key concept involves -
Exploiting refers to doubling and tripling down on what’s working. It involves executing known behaviors and ritualized routines that bear fruit. When we exploit, our focus narrows in on a few or just one track.
Exploring refers to trying new techniques, testing out alternative pathways, and taking risks into previous uncharted environments. As part of the creative, problem-solving process… an explorer seeks new ways forward.
When we feel stuck, we must explore.
Be stubborn on vision and flexible on details.
– Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon
One of the overarching frameworks I share with clients utilizes a mountain range as a metaphor. In lockstep with the ideas surrounding The Sermon on the Mount, all successful people go on a worthwhile adventure upwards while shouldering responsibility.
Imagine standing at the bottom of a mountain. Our eyes lift towards the sky, setting our value-oriented vision on the mountain’s tallest peak. The peak represents what’s most important to us one year, three years, or multiple years in the future. Once we decide on where we’d like to go, we must take the first step, and then another, and then another…
Along our journey, we will certainly face changing weather patterns, challenging elevations, and routes that lead to danger. Each decision we make is part of the mission. The vision stays the same; our mission, depending on the climate and obstacle in front of us, evolves. As our mission evolves, so do we.
If we attempt to walk, hike, or run into a steep wall with a narrow focus straight ahead, we will get hurt, stuck, or both. Therefore, when detours present themselves, we must zoom out and explore. We must seek alternative routes.
The great ones adapt.
– Boyd Epley, 1st Strength & Conditioning Coach in America, Founder of NSCA
On my 52nd episode of Grateful and Full of Greatness, I sat down with Hall-of-Fame track coach, Tony Holler. We discussed speed training, the importance of sleep, and fighting hard for what we love. One of the most interesting and paradoxical segments of our discussion, however, revolved around an idea: performance > hard work. Tony elaborated on the critical role a fully charged central nervous system plays in our everyday endeavors.
While I may have given him slight pushback because I strongly believe relentless work ethic is fundamental to championship-level results, Tony opened my mind to appropriate dosage. Consistent doses of hard work, sleep, and love make what’s possible probable.
Too much of anything is not good for you, besides love.
– Jean Glicini, Cancer Survivor, Secretary of the Meaningful Growth Foundation, my mother
How much should we exploit and work hard before we burn ourselves out?
When should we zoom out, explore, and shift our attention to novel, innovative approaches for potentially even higher performance?
What constitutes as too little versus too much?
Questions like these are why I love Performance Psychology. It’s not as straightforward as baking a cake — adding 1/4 teaspoon of vegetable oil, 1 cup of water, flour and eggs into a preheated oven set at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s no one-size-fits-all technique. It depends on context, conditioning, and circumstances.
Therefore, here’s my advice: intentionally, as often as you can, remain self-aware.
Notice when you feel off, frustrated, or stuck.
When those feelings arise, be brave enough to explore other options.
Observe what could be, instead of what is or always has been, and courageously take risks into the unknown.
Stay frustrated or become fascinated.
Be bitter or become better.
Stay mindful, fellow explorers!
— MG
Mark was born and raised in New Jersey where he became an elite high school student-athlete. He earned varsity letters as captain of his high school football, basketball and lacrosse teams and was elected into the National & Spanish National Honor Societies. He attended a post-graduate academic program at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA before college where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Yale University in New Haven, CT. He is currently a graduate student working toward his doctorate degree in Sport & Performance Psychology at San Diego University for Integrative Studies under Dr. Cristina Versari, Founder & CEO of SDUIS and former Head of Sport Psychology for the National Basketball Association. He is a Teaching Associate with Dr. Robert Gilbert, a Professor at Montclair State University (NJ) and a leading authority and author in the field of Applied Sport Psychology. Mark is currently the lead Mental Health & Wellness Player Advocate for the Premier Lacrosse League.
Mark is a Certified Fitness Trainer, Nutritionist & Mental Performance Coach and currently a graduate student of Sport & Performance Psychology at San Diego University for Integrative Studies.
At Mark Glicini Peak Performance, we understand how physical health reflects mental health, studies how intention drives behavior, and provides clarity as to why peak performance training requires an integrative approach, mind + body + spirit.
As the Mark Glicini Meaningful Growth Foundation embarks on a journey of endurance and togetherness against the trials and tribulations brought upon by cancer, I state: every inch of my heart is in this.
Like so many, cancer has had a profound impact on my life. It took the lives of my grandfather and uncle before I was born. For years starting in 2011, I stood by my mother’s side as she battled and overcame lymphoma. Her fortitude, unwavering support from loved ones and God’s will triumphed amid extreme adversity.
Although we have not and may not win every fight, we will relentlessly strive to make an individual’s growth meaningful and to ensure his or her family feels cared for and supported. Thank you for your love, God Bless!
There’s only two roads we take at any given time: progress or perspective.
The pursuit of excellence involves interconnected yet distinct dimensions: Peak Performance, Mastery, and Greatness.