Problem Solving

Every day you show up to train, new puzzles and equations are being presented.

These are in the form of different movements, the variety of workouts, and your physical preparedness.

The body is dynamic and ever changing in response to internal and external stimuli. And if the body is changing, so should your practice.

Let the problem solving begin…

First you become acquainted with your current state.

Are you tired, sore, tight? Or alert, warm, lively?

Understanding this helps you to match the appropriate puzzle piece with the appropriate hole.

If you try to PR your snatch when you are tired and run down, you aren’t very good at problem solving. Instead of problem solving, you are creating more problems. And inevitably, problems will need to be solved, one way or another.

But if you are able to realistically assess what is needed on a given day, then you are able to explore appropriate solutions.

The next problem arises as you commence training.

Why do this movement feel off? What am I not doing right? Why do I shift during a squat? Or… That rep felt awesome – what did I do differently? How can I replicate it?

One could make the case that it is the coaches job to point this out to you – identify a problem in a movement puzzle and offer a practical solution.

But it should not absolve you of the responsibility of paying attention. It is your body after all. So pay attention. Notice the nuance. And if you are unsure of a solution, ask questions.

The workout presents another equation.

First, what is the context? What is the goal? What is the intent?

You need to apply this filter first because a solution that worked remarkably on Tuesday will not work the same on Wednesday if the context is different.

You may ask yourself: What is my approach? How can I effectively navigate this in a way conducive to achieving the intended stimulus?

Do I break up the reps early? Adjust my body position to move more efficiently?

Done well, you have moved towards progress. Done poorly, you have taken a step towards breakdown.

A physical practice is problem-solving.

It is predicated on your capacity to first pay attention and then ask the appropriate questions.

So start doing it.