Form follows function. Logic follows concept. Less is more!
How is it that a coach can employ abstract thinking to the logical process of physical development? As it turns out, training is creative. Form-follows-function. If you consider skills in all areas of your life, the most productive will often require creativity. Creative visualization is abstract. If the intent is to widen boundaries and affect outcomes, a coach (or a business person) must employ abstract thinking to take action along the desired path.
Form follows function
Coined by American architect Louis Sullivan, “form follows function” is intended to bring the inspiration closer to the result. If the purpose of a set of exercises is to build core strength and explosive power, the plan needs to consider the resistance, plyometric, and calisthenics modalities of the training. But how about a business person who wants to develop better sales or presentation skills. They would seek out the best training modalities that will affect a change in their abilities. There is always a cocktail of choices that when used will lead to a functional result.
Logic follows concept
We can’t logically attribute this premise to any single person. Aristotle may be a plausible primary choice because he talked about inference. We train for a reason. The concept is to identify why you need strength, then commit to the time. Nothing subordinates a commitment. The logic puts training on our calendars, and the purpose is clear. We want to be stronger, and we know that a consistent practice of strength building is the only way we will succeed. How many of us make an appointment with a coach, or seminar series that will guide us to embellish our business skills? If you want to be better at anything, is it logical to seek professional training? Of course, it is. Finding a reason to train is not a concept. Finding reasons to do anything is a commitment not to commit.
Less is more
I discovered that Ludwig Mies van der Rohe coined this in 1947 to describe Minimalist design and architecture. We use the concept in all we do. Imagine working out for an hour. It’s long, tiring and leads to limited benefits. We train for small wins that add up to beneficial outcomes. We do less in each gym session, but we do it very well. Skills trump workout craziness every time.
Less is more allows the client to experience a skillful practice of exercise. How does this concept relate to your business? Maybe you see the advantage in serving a smaller segment of your market. Or you take the opportunity to understand and employ the Pareto principle to your business – and fire the under-performing customers who waste your time.
Training, whether physical, career or life has to lead to action. You could find that a typical sales training may sound good, but there is a more significant win at less cost if you invest time in an improv group. You could get injured in an hour aerobics class, but twenty minutes of strength building with highly skilled exercises will serve to injury-proof you for any activity.
It has been a benefit for me in business to understand the value of the abstract. Before I became a coach, I was a commercial photographer. Every concept is abstract, even if it’s sketched out on paper. There is always the gray area between what we imagined and how we can deal with the physical world.
Form follows function, logic follows concept, and less is more offer us a moment to think things through. Do we see the solution if we remain on a trajectory? Are we meeting the clients where they currently reside? Do we guide people who understand the value of health, down a worn path, or do we look at their genuine desires and address issues of strength and performance creatively, with the simplest solution that produces the best outcome?
If you find yourself in the forties plus, career-centric, working-professional group you are my target audience. There is more to the performance discussion, and I’ll gladly share it with you. I am a speaker, author, and interval training, expert. Send me an email coach@danraabetraining.com or text to (303) 880-4641. Mention “LinkedIn article,” and I’ll send you today’s workout. Don’t look for a reason to train. Train for a Reason! #performance #danraabetraining #trainforareason