The Lore of Life

Remaining in an overly focused mental state causes the overlooking of straightforward solutions to challenging problems. This often results in inefficient problem solving. The true challenge of problem solving becomes not the actual solving of the problem but the realizing of when to “walk away” and break the focus when needed. Many of us have become so conditioned, often by management, that we must have a solution immediately. Abandoning the problem is never an option. This usually results in a less than optimal solution in a longer period of time taken to arrive at a solution.

A couple of years ago, I was talking to guy at the gym who I had seen frequently doing different power-lifting exercises. I had seen his dead-lift routine which he would do 405 lb for several reps with ease. He was also in very good shape— with good size and low body fat. I was curious about his workout philosophy since he appeared he was in his forties and I just turned thirty and finding training to be much more difficult. It almost seemed immediately after my thirtieth that I was loosing my flexibility, strength and metabolism was slowing down.

I am glad to see that the “Baby Boomers” are not retiring as quickly. Reading the article Are Boomers Happy to Forego Retirement? , at first I had a mixed opinion. I initially felt the Boomers were not wanting to give in to the younger generation. Only after some thought, I began to think otherwise. I believe this solid experience can help companies navigate during these tough economic pressures of keeping costs low. I am not sure we, the Generation X employees, are ready to fill the shoes of the Boomer Generation.

The drug Modafinil has the potential of allowing healthy individuals to stay awake for up to 90 hours; while maintaining an alert mental state on little as 8 hours of sleep. There is still uncertainty of whether it masks the human sleeps needs and the long term effect is still not known. Modafinil does not affect the brain like a traditional stimulate would but works on different neural pathways ( "Juicing the Brain" ,2006)..

Working with or for employees who are very dedicated is usually a good motivation. However, working with those who define dedication as working extremely long hours ( 12+ hours/day) as the norm can lower the employee motivation of those they work with which causes diminishing returns on productivity. How effective is this? Without access to data to reflect the lack of effectiveness, I can only rely on what I observe, theorize or experience in my work environment and the outcomes it creates.

During my strength training career over the last 15 years, I have become quite familiar with different brands of protein supplements. A diet high in protein has been part of my lifestyle during those years. The high protein diet has consisted of some of the major brands of protein powder supplements. EAS and Optimum Nutrition have been some of the major brands of protein powders I have consistently used.

You do not need to research too hard to reveal statistics showing there is a large problem with obesity in children. An estimate of 22 million children worldwide under the age of five are obese or overweight ( "Obesity Statistics - Children" , 2002 ) Many of the studies point to diet as the main cause of this epidemic. I believe it is more of a lifestyle combination of diet and inactivity directly established by the parents. More and more kids are placed in front of the TV at an early age.