Level 6: You must unlearn what you have learned.

[JediNickD]

In Jedi training, it is important to let go of lessons learned in the past to learn to see the world in a new way. Two of my last Jedi training lessons revolved around me analyzing my use of intuition. I found that I typically ignore my intuition when I shouldn't. I rely on logic, which is fine as long as you have all the facts. When my intuition and logic do not align, it is because I do not have all the critcal information to make a decision. To rely more on my intuition requires that I take a leap of faith, which I am not in the habit of doing. Listening to the wise words of Yoda, I am relying on my intuition more and more. We'll see how that goes ;-).

Level 6 challenge goals are below with my starting points in ():

FITNESS:

• Lift More Weight! +3 STR
  • Dumbell Fly, Bench Press, and Overhead Press = 35 lbs 10 reps (30 lbs)
  • Dumbell Curl and Row = 40 lbs 10 reps (35 lbs)
  • Dumbell Two-hand Tricep Lift = 70 lbs 3 reps (55 lbs)
  • Leg Press Sled = 750 lbs 3 reps (700 lbs)
  • Do 1000 Pushups, 3000 Crunches, 2000 Bicycle Crunches, 2000 Dual Leg Lefts, 2000 Oblique Twists, 2000 Side Bends, 500 Side Raises, and 500 Reverse Situps.

Incorporating more dumbells to my routine to tone my muscles. Adding more abdominal exercises to enhance my core strength.

• Run Faster! +2 DEX | +2 STA
  • Shuttle Run = 9.00 (9.12s)
  • Run, jog, walk, or hike 15 miles.
  • Jog 5 times outside for more than 1 mile.
  • 500 Box Jumps
  • Run and time a suicide medicine ball run for next challenge.

Still looking to improve my first two steps in sprinting.

DIETARY:

• Eat better! +2 CON
  • Eat starch-free meals 20 times. Dips/dressing allowed but must be minimal.
  • Drink only 180 fl oz of Dr Pepper, or 15 cans.
  • Track my water intake daily. Record in my Training Journal.

LIFE:

• Train the Mind! +3 WIS | +3 CHA
  • Family and Home
    • Scrapbooking last year's vacations needs to happen.
    • Private Family Goal
• Toastmasters
  • Complete one Toastmasters CC Manual Lessons
  • Volunteer as Table Topics participant thrice.
  • Volunteer for at least 4 different roles. I am going for the six below:
    • Volunteer as Jokemaster (joke ready)
    • Volunteer as Grammarian
    • Volunteer as General Evaluator
    • Volunteer as Speech Evaluator
    • Volunteer as Toastmaster of the Day
    • Volunteer as Table Topics Master

• Jedi Training
  • Complete IJRS Meditation 101 Lesson 8 and 9 with Exercises
  • Complete IJRS Force 101 Lesson 8 and 9 with Exercises

I have five Toastmasters meetings during the challenge time peroid, so to get all those goals I need to make them count again.

My initial goal when I registered for the Meditation 101 and Force 101 courses was to wrap them up by the end of the year, but that didn't happen as I procrastinated too much with them. I'll complete them this challenge though.

[JediNickD]

I've had a bad week with drinking Dr Pepper, because of sleepiness.  72 fl oz already.  It'll be a rough 6 weeks...

 

On a different note, I cut my hand just under my thumb on some glass yesterday.  5 stitches and no elevated blood pressure for the next 3 days.  So that will wrench my workout goals until Monday.  I'm a dummy. 

[jimmie65]

Ouch. That's a bad spot to cut.

[JediNickD]

I can get my stitches wet now, so I can workout again.  I did a workout this morning consisting of mostly situps.  I did box jumps, but my legs felt weak and I got light-headed.  Tomorrow will be better, but I need to slow and easy until my body is ready.  I don't want to rip out stitches, pull a hammy, or wrench my knee. 

 

Stitches come out next Monday. 

[JediNickD]

Today was a bit more intense.  I think I can do sprints either tomorrow or Thursday, but I may do a short jog first to test my knee.  The box jumps aren't crippling me though.

[Heidi]

Subbed.

Looking forward to cheering you on.

[JediNickD]

I did a short jog and the knee felt ok, but I decided I needed something with less impact to ensure I don't aggrevate anything.  Usually, I shoot a basketball, but chase rebounds and do layups.  I can't shoot because of the stitches, so I grabbed the soccer ball and juggled for the first time in a long time.  And I wasn't too rusty.  Of course, I've always been pretty uncoordinated at it.  It was a fun break from the weights, exercises, and running while I still worked up a sweat.  I'll definitely be doing that again. 

 

Yesterday, I had a Toastmasters meeting.  I served as General Evaluator and Table Topics participant.  That's a couple notches out of that goal.  Also, I read a great article, which I plan to turn into my next speech on the 22nd. 

[JediNickD]

 

Subbed.

Looking forward to cheering you on.

 

Thanks for the support! Watching your thread as well!

[jimmie65]

The break from weights and other upper body might be good. How long do you have the stitches?

 

Congrats on the Toastmasters goals. I really respect you for Toastmasters; I hate public speaking and avoid it when I can.

[JediNickD]

The break from weights and other upper body might be good. How long do you have the stitches?

 

Congrats on the Toastmasters goals. I really respect you for Toastmasters; I hate public speaking and avoid it when I can.

 

 

Stitches come out Monday.  With a thick band aid, weight lifting gloves, and a floor mat, I was able to do push ups this morning with very little discomfort to my hand.  It is healing nicely as I'm regaining mobility of my thumb and it doesn't explode with pain when pressure is applied.

 

 

As for Toastmasters, I hate public speaking too.  I'm still terrified if I get up there unprepared.  But joining Toastmasters has easily been one of the best things I've ever done to improve myself.  My confidence is high, my writing skills are challenged, and I'm more comfortable than ever talking to people.  It is also a big career boost helping me prepare and perform demonstrations and presentations which are vital to my job.  I definitely recommend at least going to a couple meeting as a guest and just watch.  You'll see that the environment is much like Nerd Fitness, being that it is full of supportive people who are struggling with the same obstacles you are.  Give it a try... I dare you. ;-) 

[cline]

Hey sorry about the hand.  Remember - intuition!!! don't push too hard (literally!!)

 

Cheers on the toastmasters!!  Woot.

[JediNickD]

Today I completed an interview for a local newspaper article about Toastmasters. Here are two of the questions:



====

What value does Toastmasters add to your professional and personal life?


I find myself much more confident when talking to people either professionally or socially. I am typically a shy person terrified of speaking in front of people, but Toastmasters has helped me overcome my fears and be more outgoing. I used to stumble over every other word, uttering "um" and "ah" at every pause, and freezing up when I have to think on my feet. By attending and participating, I have learned to overcome these issues. In addition, I frequently get to utilize and improve my writing skills by writing speeches. Toastmasters has also developed my skills in the workplace, such as properly preparing for demonstrations and presentations by tailoring it to the expected audience. It is easily one of the best decisions I've made in my life and wish I had found it much earlier.


====

Why would you recommend this club to others?


The environment is always positive, welcoming, and supportive. No one is there to judge or criticize you. In fact, everyone is there for the same reason: to become a better speaker and leader. Everyone is struggling with the same or similar obstacle and we are there to help each other succeed.

[JediNickD]

Hey sorry about the hand.  Remember - intuition!!! don't push too hard (literally!!)

 

Cheers on the toastmasters!!  Woot.

 

 

Of course my intuition was telling me not to handle the glass...  Again, I'm a dummy.

[JediNickD]

END OF WEEK UPDATE:

FITNESS:

• Lift More Weight!
  • Dumbell Fly, Bench Press, and Overhead Press = 30 lbs 10 reps
  • Dumbell Curl and Row = 35 lbs 10 reps
  • Dumbell Two-hand Tricep Lift = 55 lbs 10 reps
  • Leg Press Sled = 650 lbs 5 reps
  • Do 300 Pushups, 750 Crunches, 310 Bicycle Crunches, 125 Dual Leg Lefts, 300 Oblique Twists, 550 Side Bends, 220 Side Raises, and 110 Reverse Situps.

*Stitches out today. Dumbell lifting tomorrow!

• Run Faster!
  • Shuttle Run = 9.40s
  • Run, jog, walk, or hike 3.3 miles.
  • Jog outside zero times.
  • 50 Box Jumps
  • Did not run or time a suicide medicine ball run.

DIETARY:

• Eat better!
  • Ate starch-free meals 5 times. Good start!
  • Drank 84 fl oz of Dr Pepper, or 7 cans. I'm almost to my halfway point already. Bad start.
  • Tracking my water intake daily and recording in my Training Journal.

LIFE:

• Train the Mind!
  • Family and Home
    • Scrapbooking last year's vacations: I looked at pictures from Cancun. We'll need to utilize other people's photos to fill an album, because we didn't take that many.
    • Private Family Goal is progressing until this weekend. Hit a snag with my wife, but I let her know and we got back on track last night.
• Toastmasters
  • Wrote speech outline for my last Toastmasters CC Manual Lesson
  • Volunteered as Table Topics participant once.
  • Volunteered for General Evaluator. On the schedule for the rest.

• Jedi Training
  • Almost done with IJRS Meditation 101 Lesson 8.
  • Almost done with IJRS Force 101 Lesson 8.

NEXT WEEK GOALS:

FITNESS:

• Lift More Weight!
  • Dumbell Fly, Bench Press, and Overhead Press = 35 lbs 5 reps
  • Dumbell Curl and Row = 40 lbs 5 reps
  • Dumbell Two-hand Tricep Lift = 60 lbs 10 reps
  • Leg Press Sled = 700 lbs 3 reps
  • Do 200 Pushups, 600 Crunches, 200 Bicycle Crunches, 100 Dual Leg Lefts, 400 Oblique Twists, 400 Side Bends, 100 Side Raises, and 50 Reverse Situps.

• Run Faster!
  • Shuttle Run = 9.15s (ran 9.26s today!)
  • Run, jog, walk, or hike 3 miles.
  • Jog outside twice.
  • 50 Box Jumps
  • Run and time a suicide medicine ball run.

DIETARY:

• Eat better!
  • Eat starch-free meals 3 times.
  • Drink 0 fl oz of Dr Pepper.
  • Keep tracking my water intake daily.

LIFE:

• Train the Mind!
  • Family and Home
    • Buy photo paper.
    • Keep working on private family goal.
• Toastmasters
  • Complete writing Toastmasters speech for my last CC Manual Lesson
  • Volunteer as Table Topics participant.
  • Complete role as Toastmaster of the Day.

• Jedi Training
  • Complete IJRS Meditation 101 Lesson 8 Exercise
  • Complete IJRS Force 101 Lesson 8 Exercise

[JediNickD]

Leg Pressed 750 lbs for 5 reps this morning.  Guess I should have made that goal higher, huh?  Let's see if I can get to 800 lbs by the end of the challenge...

[Heidi]

yeah, and here I was feeling all strut-some over my 50# leg press (3 sets of 10).

 

Totally impressed with you!

[JediNickD]

Knocked Toastmaster of the Day out of the park!  And I had a lot of fun doing it!  I took time to write an intro for every person I called up.  I improvised a little segway after I returned to the lecturn each time.  The only thing I missed was introducing the Grammarian.  I had it out of order in my notes, so boo on that.

[JediNickD]

yeah, and here I was feeling all strut-some over my 50# leg press (3 sets of 10).

 

Totally impressed with you!

 

You should feel good about your 50 lbs!  We all have different starting places.  It is the progress that is important!

 

I used to leg press 900 lbs in high school about 13 years ago, so I'm still behind in my mind.

[SkiBlue]

I've never heard of this Toastmasters before. Sounds pretty cool. I might have to look into it (I still have problems speaking myself sometimes). 

 

Glad to hear that your hand is doing better!

[JediNickD]

I've never heard of this Toastmasters before. Sounds pretty cool. I might have to look into it (I still have problems speaking myself sometimes). 

 

Glad to hear that your hand is doing better!

 

Here's a link to check out:

 

http://www.toastmasters.org/

 

It is an international organization that has been around since 1924, but I had never heard of it either until I met one of my co-workers two years ago.  And he found Toastmasters by walking into the wrong meeting. 

 

With all the self-help and leadership training stuff out there, I cannot fathom how Toastmasters is not more well known. 

[JediNickD]

MID-WEEK UPDATE:

FITNESS:

• Lift More Weight!
  • Dumbell Fly, Bench Press = 35 lbs 5 reps
  • Dumbell Overhead Press = 35 lbs 10 reps GOAL COMPLETE!
  • Dumbell Curl = 40 lbs 5 reps
  • Row = 40 lbs 10 reps GOAL COMPLETE!
  • Dumbell Two-hand Tricep Lift = 60 lbs 10 reps
  • Leg Press Sled = 750 lbs 5 reps GOAL COMPLETE!
  • Do 100 Pushups, 450 Crunches, 270 Bicycle Crunches, 100 Dual Leg Lefts, 200 Oblique Twists, 250 Side Bends, 200 Side Raises, and 50 Reverse Situps.

• Run Faster!
  • Shuttle Run = 9.35s  :-(  Need to work hard on this.
  • Run, jog, walk, or hike 0.2 miles.  I needed some inspiration and Taijibum gave it to me.  Running tomorrow.  Fartlek over the weekend maybe.
  • Jogged outside 0 times.  Rain has kept me in.  Low chance of light snow tonight, but tomorrow and weekend look clear. 
  • 30 Box Jumps
  • Ran and timed a suicide medicine ball run.  193' in 17.50s with a 10lb ball for 100'.

DIETARY:

• Eat better!
  • Ate starch-free meals 2 times.
  • Drank 0 fl oz of Dr Pepper.
  • Kept track of my water intake daily.

LIFE:

• Train the Mind!
  • Family and Home
    • Haven't bought photo paper yet.
    • Kept working on private family goal.
  • Toastmasters
    • Still writing Toastmasters speech for my last CC Manual Lesson
    • Missed my chance to volunteer as Table Topics participant to allow others the opportunity.
    • Completed role as Toastmaster of the Day.
  • Jedi Training
    • Wrote Journal entry for IJRS Meditation 101 Lesson 8 Exercise.  Completing it this weekend.
    • Wrote Journal entry for IJRS Force 101 Lesson 8 Exercise.  Complete it today with second entry.

[Heidi]

Keep rocking it!

[JediNickD]

Tomorrow will be an uber cold running day, but at least it isn't going to snow tonight... according the weather reports, that is.  And I'll be running at lunch time to avoid the morning cold and darkness.  Next week, I plan to do Monday and Thursday.  We'll see how it goes. 

[JediNickD]

Hey all,

 

I'm putting together an Accountabilibuddies group (http://nerdfitnessrebellion.com/index.php?/topic/23412-the-jedi-order-of-nerdiness-and-fitness/) for called "The Jedi Order of Nerdiness and Fitness" for any Jedi out there.  And by Jedi, I mean anyone whose goals and characteristics which are consistent with Jedi and Jedi philosophy/training from the Star Wars franchise.  Or maybe just anyone who is a fan of Star Wars or Jedi in general.  We'll keep it loose, because the idea here is to get a group together for positive reinforcement and feedback. 

 

There are few Jedi from a school called Institute of Jedi Realist Studies (IJRS, http://instituteforjedirealiststudies.org) at Nerd Fitness that I know of, so we should be able to get a good group together to help encourage eachother on our challenges.

 

May the Force be with us!

Nick

[maegs]

I'm in Toastmasters too! Have you done the Evaluator roles before? Those are the ones I've been avoiding since I feel like I don't know enough.. (I've been a member since the middle of May, but July & August we didn't have any meetings, so for 5-6 months worth of meetings)