Learning the hard way: The cost of shortcuts.

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I. Do shortcuts work?

Taking shortcuts is an intriguing gamble. It's like playing a game of chance; if it always worked, we wouldn't call it a "shortcut", but rather just “the way”. (yes that's a modified line from the movie "Roadtrip").

It might sound a tad off-topic but let me share my DIY adventure last weekend. My mission was to repaint our living room, which was previously a canvas for the former owners' love affair with grey. Everything that could be grey was grey; floors, kitchen, walls you name it. Our living room, especially, was drenched in a dark shade of grey which we were eager to replace.

If you've ever painted a room, you'll know that it's a marathon, not a sprint. You prep, sand, tape, cut in, and finally, you paint. It's not exactly a thrilling process, but the moment you start rolling on your chosen colour, it all feels worth it. Here's where my "shortcut" comes into play...

I was switching from a dark to a light colour, which usually means applying a white emulsion base coat to prevent the dark colour from peeking through. But hey, that's an extra step, right? I was armed with high-quality paint and an undying optimism that the grey wasn't that formidable. Ignoring the whispers of caution, I decided to bypass the emulsion and charge straight into the painting stage.

Well, when you roll the dice, you either win or lose. After two full coats, the pesky grey was still making itself seen, and my precious paint supply was running low. I had to resort to emulsion in some stubborn spots to ration my remaining paint. It was a close call.

My time-saving endeavour not only backfired but also made the process more of a pain in the backside than it needed to be.

The allure of a shortcut is the prospect of skipping the mundane and jumping straight to the fun part; to get ahead. I did it with painting, but I've also seen plenty of folks do it with health and fitness.

• They're eager to experiment with advanced exercises before mastering the fundamentals.
  

• They'd prefer to hastily return to running without undergoing the full rehab process.
  

• They skip mobility and stability work in favour of getting to the heavy stuff.
  

• They leap into extreme diets without establishing a consistent nutrition routine.
  

The reminder from my painting escapade is that learning is an incremental process. With each room I paint, I glean a new insight. Quality paint is a non-negotiable. Proper preparation trumps hasty execution. Excessive tape is no match for a good brush and a little practice. Now, the emulsion lesson is etched in my memory.

We'd love to know everything at the start, but most times you pick things up as you go. Whether you've experimented with ten different diets, consulted three physical therapists, or attempted numerous fitness regimes, each experience is a treasure trove of lessons to carry forward. What did you learn for next time?

Lastly, listen to that little voice warning you about taking shortcuts; I knew I should have applied that base coat, but I convinced myself otherwise. Take a moment to understand why you're taking a shortcut in the first place and ask if it's worth it.

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II. Landmine Press

Are your shoulders feeling a bit stiff when you reach overhead? Focusing on shoulder mobility can bring some sweet relief (and don't forget to use that standing desk more often). But hey, if you're really keen on sticking with your overhead presses in the gym, why not try the landmine press?

It's much more forgiving on those cranky shoulders than the traditional overhead press. So go ahead and give it a go. 🤗

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II. Quote to Ponder

"Things that look like shortcuts are actually detours (disguised as less work)." Seth Godin

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P.S. If you enjoyed this week's Thursday Three, please share it with a friend.

Thanks,

Jamie