My Lesson From the Gymnasium

Last few weeks of training in a gymnasium has taught me a few things about life and management.

1. Everyone needs motivation. I always thought that CEOs or Senior Executives did not need external motivation. Their position and responsibilities are enough to keep them charged. But, it feels good when the gym instructor tells me, "Yes, you can do it. Come on! Now, that is a good boy!" Yes, he calls me a boy and I feel elated when he gives me those small bits of praise. And, I get energised to go the extra bit - a few more pull-ups, extra leg curls, some more weight on the bar or a few more stretches.

2. Rest is a chimera. When he tells me to lie down on a mat I mistakenly think that he wants me to relax. But, he has something else in store - floor exercises. He never had any thoughts to let me relax. I often feel that the guy cheats; says that I can relax and then begins a new gruelling session.

3. Work can be relaxing sometimes, or most of the times. After a gruelling workout, the treadmill or the exercycle feels like relaxation! It was quite a chore earlier for me to walk on the treadmill for even ten minutes. But, once I have worked on the stretch targets given by my gym trainer and when I feel like I would drop dead, he tells me, "Now, you can do the treadmill for five minutes!" O! What a relief these words bring to me. Mere treadmill? Thank you, Master! Even a six kmph trot on the treadmill feels like a good spell of rest.

So, friends! Don't feel small if you secretly crave that pat on your back. And, do give one to those who silently work for you. Also remember, those stretch targets never hurt anyone - just give your people (or take for yourselves) an occasional break with some light assignments; a vacation can be taken but rarely.