Self-Inadequacy Paradox / by Alexander Lyadov

Unfortunately, we are inadequate when it comes to ourselves.

That is, we either coddle ourselves too much or we hurt ourselves too much.

At the beginning of the training, the rehab specialist made me do 200 squats in a row. Then followed a series of exercises for balance, endurance, and strength. Considering that I had knee surgery just a week ago, I would have spared my joint and never chosen such a load. The rehab specialist explained that it was a false mercy because it will only prolong the period of returning to physical fitness.

Another extreme example is familiar to every novice athlete. Dreaming of becoming a champion as quickly as possible, they train three times a day without taking a break. But soon they reach a so-called plateau, and injuries occur more often. That's why the best coaches in the world unanimously say that for skill, strength, or mass growth, the volume of work done over the year is more important than intensity.

In my business therapy with entrepreneurs, I observe the same phenomenon. Sometimes they harshly criticize themselves in situations where objectively even a superhero couldn't have done more. And sometimes, on the contrary, they try to avoid honest discussions about sensitive topics that touch their ego. As a result, costly mistakes are made again, hindering the growth of their business.

Thinking about my rehab specialist, psychotherapist, and business coach, the only thing I regret is not reaching out to each of them many years ago.

Yours sincerely,

-Alexander


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