For 80's kids like Yours Truly, the man in this post's featured image likely requires no introduction.
In 1989, the United States received the first English dub of the manga-turned-anime-turned-global-phenomenon Dragon Ball. Along with Goku, Bulma, Yamcha, and the rest of Earth's Mightiest Warriors, the world was introduced to an unassuming, unconventional martial arts master, wise in the ways of peace, the ways of war, and the ways of truly cringe pickup lines. I'm speaking, of course, of the O.G. Turtle Hermit, Muten Roshi.
Master Roshi - Warrior. Philosopher. Silver Fox.
Remembered today less for his sage tutelage and more for his unrepentant lechery (and not for nothing; he definitely had his moments), Master Roshi trained a young and inexperienced Goku (and his childhood pal Krillin) in the Kame Style of martial arts, utilizing an array of unorthodox, but effective, techniques; plowing fields with their bare hands, swimming laps in shark-infested waters, dodging angry bees while tied to a tree, and various other "lessons" which doubtlessly constitute child endangerment in every developed nation on the planet.
Felonies aside, Master Roshi cared for his young pupils as though he were their own grandfather; instilling in them a strong work ethic, a fighting spirit, and a genuine desire to move beyond their limitations...in short, his aim was what every reputable mentor hopes for their student - that they shall, one day, outgrow their teacher.
The rest of the story is otaku (read: "Japan fan") history; his star pupil Goku would grow up to become the most puissant warrior to ever walk the Earth, and Krillin...well, I invite you to watch the show and find out for yourself (please support the official release.) But let's back up a bit to a few words I'll never forget.
Or, as translated in the anime: "Yes, we'll spend this hour on good old napping. Work hard, study well, and eat and sleep plenty; that's the Turtle Hermit way to learn!"
Roshi's meaning here seems obvious (and might have just been an excuse for an old man to get off his feet for awhile.) But I've had decades to ruminate on the deeper meaning of the quote, to boil it down to its fundamental elements, and to incorporate it both into my coaching technique and my everyday life - because, if you're truly looking for it, you can find profound wisdom in the damnedest of places.
So, what does it really mean to "move well," "play well," "study well," and so on...?
Creation vs. Consumption
In my opening salvo against the advertising industry, I mentioned preferring to spend my free hours creating - doing and making things of lasting benefit - rather than idly consuming. Let's discuss the difference, and how it pertains to the arena of health and fitness.
Consuming: Hitting up the local drive-thru for a #1 Combo.
Creating: Crafting a nutritionally balanced, home-cooked meal, using fresh, quality ingredients.
Consuming: Endlessly scrolling through social media (or your Netflix queue) when boredom strikes.
Creating: Using the power of social media to grow a personal brand, start your side hustle, connect with others, or spread a message to a global audience.
Consuming: Vegging out to the latest AAA-release on your game console.
Creating: Spending time with family and friends playing a game (preferably analog, but you do you,) developing a skill, studying a subject you're interested in, or taking a developmental course online.
Consuming: Buying another workout DVD, another plastic exercise gadget, or another overpriced, ineffective supplement ("OBLITERATES Stubborn Fat!")
Creating: Spending time studying the science of health and fitness, and mindfully incorporating the tenets of holistic health into your daily routine (and/or sitting beneath the Learning Tree of a reputable instructor...hint, hint.)
Noticing a pattern?
The difference between "time spent" and "time spent well" is tremendous. Master Roshi's young students had earned their rest, by completing their day's training; by working hard, and by practicing their craft. And as a result, they rested well.
The path of idle consumption is incredibly seductive (and as mentioned previously, it's designed to be; it's good for business.) The path of creation is the Road Less Traveled, the more difficult, less accessible, and far more rewarding choice. Time spent creating - pursuing a passion, crafting enduring works, teaching and instructing others, or simply strengthening the Body, Mind and/or Spirit - is time spent well.
Would it be totally crazy to follow in the footsteps of a cartoon character, and endeavor each day to move well, to study well, to play well...and when the work is done, to rest well, satisfied that we've contributed to our own, and collective, wellness?
Try it and see; you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. I believe in you. - Coach K.