I was reminded about three things as finished my workout on the elliptical tonight. Time, effort and results are not all interdependent on each other. In fact, how we monitor them can greatly skew our perception on reality. Take a look at these two monitored results from my workout:
What my heart rate monitor claims
What the elliptical monitor says
The heart rate monitor is measuring the time and heart rate efforts. Here the conclusion is the workout results are 460 calories burned.
The elliptical monitor is measuring time and several effort variables (total strides, strides per minute, incline, and resistance). Here the conclusion is the workout results are 895 calories burned.
On the surface you see two monitors that would be considered viable measurement tools. Looking at the same workout. As you dig in, there is a vast gap in the way the results are identified.
Two lessons I walk away from this with. First, we can’t look at time and effort together to determine results. Time is a constant, but effort is a multi-faceted variable. If the effort doesn’t overcome resistance, obstacles (inclination), and keep a consistent stride to the finish…then our results will be mediocre. People tend to associate time with a little effort as “the best they can do,” when the reality is that is the all they will do without breaking the sweat needed to move towards excellence.
The second lesson I learned is we must dig deeper when we are measuring results. We must take into account all the variables…the goals and expectations….the terrain covered…and the mechanisms used to get there. Otherwise we are only looking at the surface…which could take great results and limit them to and “average” distorted perception.
Time, effort and results…what you doing this week to ensure the time and effort are taking you to a place of excellent results? Who are you empowering on your team, in your department, in your company to raise the level of results. It takes concentrated efforts, sweat, and time.
Breathe In & Smile Out
Chris
