The majority Is ALWAYS wrong, therefore DO THE OPPOSITE!
10 Important Lessons by Charles Staley was posted in T-Nation.com a while back. There are some great lessons there but the one that resonated with me the most was his first:
1. The majority Is ALWAYS wrong, therefore DO THE OPPOSITE.
I consider this idea to be my central operating paradigm in life, and rarely have I found it to not be the case. Even if you apply this concept absolutely, across the board, without critical thought, to every aspect of your life, you’ll end up better off.
Here are but a few examples:
— The majority of people have no goals. Therefore, establish goals for yourself.
— The majority of people don’t train. Therefore, train.
— The majority of people think that seeing their doctor regularly is essential for optimal health. HAVING GOOD HEALTH HABITS is essential for optimal health.
—The majority of people don’t plan for their future, and end up unprepared for their retirement. Therefore, prepare for your future.
—The majority of people watch TV for several hours per day. Therefore, don’t watch TV.
—The majority of people spend many hours per day in a seated position. Therefore, spend more time on your feet.
It is an interesting way to look at things - doing what the majority do is a great way to be average.
February 8th, 2008 20:57
Anyone with any semblance of knowledge and experience would be wise enough not to speak in absolutes. “Always”… really?!?!
Since when did “optimal” health become an “absolute” necessity for the average person? And a “necessity” for WHAT exactly?!?! For happiness? For quality of life? For the preparation of a career or a lifestyle that has increased physical demands?
“Optimal” health is a necessity only for those who want or need it. And one thing is for sure… it isn’t the “average” person. “Good” health, on the other hand….
I mean… the author HAS to be speaking about “optimal health” right? Because if he’s broadened his discussion beyond that…. then his argument has more holes in it than a Seymour Butts flick.
February 9th, 2008 06:18
I agree that “always” can seem like an over statement, I had the same reaction you did when I first read it, but after thinking about it I’m inclined to agree with him for the most part.
The point Charles is making, at least as I took it, is that most people do not do anything to help themselves - he isn’t speaking about optimal health, he’s speaking about self improvement and quality of life.
The majority of people do not work out, they eat crappy food, they watch too much TV, they move as little as possible (park close to the door, avoid the stairs). The quality of their life suffers. They may not see it because they remain the same year after year but if you ask someone who has made the decision and taken appropriate action to improve their health they will tell you that life is more enjoyable when you start doing what the majority of people are unwilling to do.