Musings From the Gym

Three days out of five I pretty much can count on seeing him on the elliptical cross trainer at the gym where I work out.  I don’t know his name.  We’ve never spoken beyond a quiet, “Good morning.”  What I do know is that he uses the downstairs cardio equipment reserved for those exercisers who are unable to negotiate the stairs to climb to the cardio loft.  His legs are pale.  His knobby knees accentuate ropy calves driving the spherical energy of the exercise machine.  He wears baggy shorts, a loose fitting t-shirt, thick glasses and a smile – always a smile.  Our eyes meet when I enter or exit the weight room and his smile is a gift I find easy to return. I don’t know the story of what must be the close to ninety years (maybe more) he has lived.  I do know that he chooses at this stage of life to remain active (and surely there must be days when he feels less inclined to show up for that workout).  His choice to stay in motion attracts and inspires me.  He reminds me that “(o)ur behavior is a function of our decisions, not of our conditions.” (Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).  

We have the power to choose our behavior  . . . in every moment.

Behavior is not dictated by conditions.  Behavior is the outcome of how we CHOOSE to respond (or perhaps not respond) to conditions.  I always smile when someone describes to me how angry (sad, frustrated, happy . . .) another person has made him or her.  Really?  How exactly did that other person get inside your head and decide for you what your response would be to their words or action?  That question usually brings first, an incredulous look, then a self-deprecating chuckle. 

Why would we consign to a situation, another person, type-model or stereotype how we will behave?  If I didn’t believe that people could choose to change, I wouldn’t do what I do.  If I wasn’t certain that people are not a product of their conditions, stories or circumstance – rather the embodiment of living fully into one’s decisions to learn, change and grow – I may question what contribution I can make as a coach.

I do believe choosing to show up, live into who we want to be – in alignment with our values – may find us on an elliptical cross trainer well beyond the years when others may expect to see us there.  I do believe we can live fully, joyously and authentically by recognizing and evoking the power of choice. 

So, how are you choosing to behave today? 

And what will you be choosing at ninety (or beyond)?

Inspirational pondering: In 2009, Sister Madonna Buder became the oldest female finisher of an Ironman Triathlon at the age of 79.  Her time was a respectable 16:54:30.