24 Random Things I Learned (or Remembered) in 2011
I can't tell the difference between a $229 bottle of 23-year old bourbon and a $40 bottle of good bourbon. Which tells me two things: 1. My palate sucks. 2. I shouldn't spend $229 on a bottle of whiskey.
It's possible (though not always fun) to gain 20 pounds in 28 days, lose 20 pounds in 5 days, and gain 16 pounds back in 24 hours. (More on that next year.)
When you're procrastinating and watching YouTube videos when you should be working, set a timer for 30 minutes and just start your work. For some reason, a countdown timer inspires action. (I like Online Stopwatch.)
Feeling off your game or overwhelmed? Get back to the basics: stretch, drink water, make a list of all the shit you have to do, breathe.
You're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Yeah, it sounds corny. It's also true. Get around good people.
You don't need to deadlift, squat, or bench press to get or maintain an awesome body.
You do need to get into the gym a couple times per week and lift stuff, though. But not as often as you might think.
Consider rotating a vegetarian or vegan meal into your day, just for a change. Get your protein from lentils or beans. Make a tofu stir-fry. Eat a shit-ton of veggies.
Then go order a grass-fed steak, medium rare, with sauteed onions and mushrooms.
The things you love? Learn about them. Know how to do them well. Make an amazing cup of coffee. Learn how beer is made. Try cooking your favorite meal. Learn the history of motion pictures. Learn why your favorite band plays the kind of music they play.
Go see an animated movie during the matinee and bring two cans of beer. Sit away from everyone else. Enjoy yourself.
Instant relationship boost: spend the first 15 seconds of meeting completely engrossed in the interaction. She just walked in the front door? Stepped out of the bedroom? Put the phone down and give her your full attention for just 15 seconds. After that, let the interaction go where it wants to go. But at least she'll know you're aware of her presence.
Louis CK is the greatest living stand-up comic.
As often as possible: Eat local food, drink local beer, shop at local stores.
Learn how to meditate. Practice daily.
Realize you can get an education anywhere. Read books. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to look stupid. Get out of your comfort zone. You may just learn something.
Keep track of how many white lies you tell every day. If it's more than 0, you should be pissed off. Read Lying and make it a habit to stop.
By the way, telling the truth doesn't mean you get to be a dick. You can still be honest and kind at the same time.
Try fasting for 24 hours every month or so.
NFL athletes (and other pros) aren't as advanced with their training and nutrition as you may think. They can still whip your ass on the field, though.
This was probably my favorite blog post I wrote this year.
Or maybe this one.
You can learn a lot about change, perseverance, and gratitude by interviewing people who've lost a lot of weight.
Never throw a punch at my dad, even when he knows it's coming. (For you will get elbowed in the ribs. Hard.)
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What did you learn (or remember) in 2011? Let me know in the comments.
Comments for This Entry
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Great blog as always Nate. I've enjoyed following along this year, and a lot of your advice has helped me get started in the fitness writing industry, so thanks for that. Have a great 2012.
Mike -
Nate,
Great stuff.
You hit on a couple of great points regarding staying local and devouring knowledge of the things you love.
There's so much more to life around you to be part of when you stick local. Sure, we all buy things from big chains and online for convenience or items that we normally couldn't get in our immediate area. It's one of the benefits of being a in a first-world country. However, I don't think that should ever replace the local market, where so much more than food and goods are exchanged.
As for learning about the things you love... I think it ties in, honestly. People have become so used to immediate gratification and endless selections that they rarely consider the background story of what they're doing or consuming. There's a lot of richness in the experience lost if all you do is take part in the "survey courses" of life.
Good ones.
Oh, and I'm the martial artist of the family, but I'm pretty sure I still wouldn't want to throw a punch at my old man, either. He's a mean old Maine farmer, and that's a dangerous sort if riled up! -
Pretty slick format here Nate, not numbering the list and all. In 2011, I learned living an unconventional life isn't as scary as I once thought it was. And by "as scary," I should also mention totally feasible to survive with for at least six months, as I have starting from scratch. I hope to get on my feet a little more and inspire others to do the same in 2012.
But I think that what hit with me the most is that there is no such thing as "stability" and "safety" in the traditional world anymore. This is part of the reason why I've begun talking about the downfalls of formal education, especially for fitness pursuits.
I could go one, but I'm not one to bore. Pretty awesome list you got there. I especially liked the bit about supporting local businesses. My most frequented are small coffee shops. Such a homey feeling. -
Nate, "you don't need to squat, deadlift or bench press to get an awesome body..." was exactly what I needed to hear. For over a year now i've been dealing with various injuries (tore groin playing hockey, injured lower back squatting and hurt wrist who knows how)..
Its been SUPER frustrating not being able to do those exercises, because, everywhere you go, whatever you read, those are the 3 that you NEED to do. But the more that I'm forced to work AROUND those exercises, the more options I find to better myself. Was encouraging to read that today. While my injuries have made me more aware of the changes I need to make (more soft tissue work, more stretching etc), it's encouraging to know that I dont need 315 on my back to reach my fitness goals.
Thanks for the post. -
I really can be successful at academics. At 51, I entered grad school for a degree in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I didn’t know that it would be as difficult as it was….at least at first. For the first year and a half I was scared I wouldn’t make it. Then gradually I found that if I really studied, not just think about studying, that I could do it. Now, after having gotten honors in a couple of classes, and passing other classes that had scared the crap out of me I feel stronger, more confident than I have in years. Recently I read something to the effect “You will never really know yourself until you have given your all to a difficult situation.” Now, I know this to be true.
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"Instant relationship boost: spend the first 15 seconds of meeting completely engrossed in the interaction. She just came walked in the front door? Stepped out of the bedroom? Put the phone down and give her your full attention for just 15 seconds. After that, let the interaction go where it wants to go. But at least she'll know you're aware of her presence."
I really like this one. -
If you don't need to bench and squat what DO you need to do? Do you have an example workout you can share?
You can get creative or stick to the other "basics." Most of my training right now is single-leg work (lunges, split squats, step-ups, RDLs,) and dumbbell, cable, and bodyweight work for pushing and pulling exercises.
Nate Green
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Wow! Nate this column was awesome. a kick in the ass. Thanks for the inspiration. Happy Holidays
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Yeah Nate, awesome stuff!!!!
For me.....
...make a short term bucket list (6 months/ a year to achieve, although that isn't a bucket list rather a things to do) and do them!!!
and do something that is outside your comfort zone monthly.
Keep inspiring.
Ian -
Great post like always I have been really using your info to improve my life overall plus I'm loving the Hero Handbook
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Hey, Nate:
Love Ya. Love Your attitude.
But real men drink Scotch, preferably single malt.
Bourbon is for Americans who don't know any better.
Just saying'......Dude, I just can't get into scotch. I've tried, too. The next time we meet up, let's hit a bar and you can share your favorite with me.
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Awesome post Nate, maybe my favorite of yours yet! Sounds like 2011 was a great one, here's hoping for more of the same in 2012!
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Fantastic article, Nate. Now is certainly the time to reflect on what you've learned this past year, and I love many of those lessons. My favorite would be: "Realize you can get an education anywhere. Read books. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to look stupid. Get out of your comfort zone. You may just learn something."
Three quick things I learned in 2011:
- When travelling, I realized that it's the generosity of other, random people that makes a great trip an amazing journey.
- The greatest way to network is to give and push others up.
- You only fail when you stop trying and stop seeing the positive in the world. -
I'm glad I'm not the only person with a sucky palate. Expensive vs. cheap wine? No difference to me. Honestly, I prefer Yellow Tail to the expensive ones I've tried.
Someone else mentioned it, but I'll repeat: slick formatting on this. Simple, but I liked it. It makes me question my tendency to numbered lists.
I'm excited to experiment with minimalism in 2012 myself. I keep hearing "less is more," but I love going to the gym. Making myself rest a week is like pulling teeth. -
Do not usually read blogs , but saw on facebook the comment about being the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with and liked that...good thing to think about...what did I learn/ remember in 2011...being truly grateful for what you have makes you the happiest person you can be...years of meditation and yoga classes never helped me be as happy and at peace as being grateful does.
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Awesome post Nate. The 2 main fitness things I've learnt are:
After being around a gym for a long time, I've finally found the 2 most usefull peices of equipment. They are a pen and pencil. And use them to log EVERYTHING and progress suddenly happens.
If u want awesome results you have to use an awesome trainer who understands you
Finally don't try to post from an iPhone on a moving vehicle. Damn difficult
Merry Christmas guys -
I have learned quite a few things this year
-No one will work as hard on your projects as you will
-True friends respect boundries
-Raising kids is tough. Raising handicap children is another ball game.
-Appreciate every good meal because you never know when it'll be your last.
- A good shave with a straight razor/safety razor can make you feel awesome
-Have one face to face or telephone interaction daily. Give email and texting a break.
-Your are your own investment and should make sure you are running on all cylinders. Eat well,train well,rest well. -
Great post, Nate. I learned this year that it's really important to never become complacent. Complacency causes people to lose sight of stuff they really should be aware of or appreciate. I plan to walk the walk more than talking the talk as a result of this realization. Looking forward to the release of your future projects.
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Very cool stuff Nate! It's the perfect post for the end of the year, true common sense wisdom. Happy holidays everyone!
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Hey Nate,
Awesome as always!
I heard about the weight gain, weight loss, weight gain project. Excited to see the full details! -
Sorry dude but the greatest stand up who has ever lived is Billy Connolly. Problem is he's scottish and Americans can't understand him.
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I agree with DJ.
Billy Connolly is the greatest! Yes, i am Scottish, but still he is awesome! -
Another awesome article Nate. I started prioritizing things in my day-to-day life after reading "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss, makes things go a whole lot smoother and you actually get things done!
I've lost a lot of weight(15 stone/200~ lbs) and I am forever telling people that it isn't as hard or as difficult as they make it out to be. Sure it is hard to begin with but as habits and attitudes change so will your body.
Finally, I have to agree with DJ and Tom but maybe that's because I'm Scottish as well.... -
Nate,
Thanks for another great post! I'm looking forward to many more in 2012! -
Great post Nate,
* I learned that I can get more done by getting to bed early and getting up early.
* Making lists rules.
* Gratitude can pull me out of a bad mood in minutes.
* I've still got plenty to learn but it's definitely time to share.
* I like having a lot of irons in the fire.
And you've got one more thing to learn, Nate. That's that your readers appreciate you and your posts A LOT. Thanks for great year, Nate. . . Merry Christmas to you and yours and Happy New Year. -
I have learned to get so much more crap done to progress my training facility once I started doing block scheduling and living by a timer.
I haven't tried online stopwatch yet, but if you own a Mac, the best one I've come across by far has been Menubar Countdown. I can't live without that thing now, and my business has exploded because of it.
Implementing that with Dean Jackson's 50 Minute Focus Finder has taken my work productivity to a whole new level. -
Great blog post!
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Since most Scotch tastes like sucking on a piece of old seaweed, skip it all together and try Irish whiskey instead. Bushmills or Jameson preferred. Much smoother than Scotch and not as sweet as Bourbon. And the Bushmills tour is worth the trip to Ireland (with a Guinness or two thrown in for luck).
Great post. I learned how to make my first video and build a website this year. Need to start planning 2012Agreed on the Bushmills tour. I was there last October -- awesome place. And I like Bushmills but prefer Red Breast. Good stuff.
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Awesome post Nate. I'm also a fan of great local beer. Living in Redlands, CA we have a great small brewery called Hangar 24. If you ever find yourself in So Cal going up to Big Bear to hit the slopes during the winter, I definitely recommend drop in on that brewery. Aloha
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Nate, Great Job......I have learned never to take anything for granted(ANYTHING)......If you are going to do something,,Do it so you have no regrets......Support your Local Businesses
Merry Christmas
Keep up the good work -
Nate:
I'll take you up on the educational offer offer next time we meet.
For starters, there is a difference between whiskey and whisky.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisky -
Nate,
Have you read the book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie? It's an old book, but the principles you learn are incredibly useful when talking with people. It certainly has changed how I deal with people! -
"You're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Yeah, it sounds corny. It's also true. Get around good people."
I paused on this for some time as I thought of my "5". Broke, unmotivated, unemployed, just to name three. Anybody else hang around with them? I need to find a new five . . . -
Nate,
Very interesting stuff. As a reader, I'd just like to say that I'd be very interested in a post about how you came to your "bench, squat, deadlift" comment. I personally enjoy them, but would like to know where you stand on each lift. Either way, thanks for the post. -
I learnt, that whilst the end result may be the same, or at least very similar, you truly do get out what you put in. Usually in the form of something intangible.
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A followup to your Hero Workout to build/maintain a great body without squats, deads, or benching would be a great way to start the new year!
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I learned how to quit worrying about the things I don't have control over. I made this a goal of mine this school year. (I teach HS) It is amazing how much more fun I had at my job when I just let things roll right off my back when I had no control over them.
I appreciate all the hard work you do, and I believe I am better at life and my job for reading your post.
P.S. What is bringing you to Oregon (Portland)? I live in Southern Oregon! -
Great stuff, especially love the part about going back to basics. Started pounding water again and focusing on breathing in the gym, stuff that I would sorta brush off a lot of the times in the past.
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Great stuff! A lot of it with a good sense of humor, too.
My 2011 quote: "Learning and the willingness to learn are inseparable." -
Getting back to basics is a really useful point that shouldn't be overlooked. I wonder how many of us don't do the basics correct that we would recommend to anyone who's new to the physique game. Probably quite a lot. What I finally achieved in 2011 is drinking far less diet coke! haha I know this sounds bad but it was my primary fluid intake. Just to settle this argument though regarding whether it makes you fat: I was 7% body fat while dieting for my holiday and ripped, and still consuming a shit load of the stuff. I also put on fat quite easily so if I have many reservations over theories it can make you fat. It isn't healthy though, that much is clear.
Thanks for another good article. Hope you have a good 2012 Nate. -
im interested in the 20 pound loss in 5 days....
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"The average of the 5 people you spend the most time with line" really means something to me, because I know it to be true. I don't hang around people who are too negative, because they make me negative. I don't hang around people who are stressed out all the time, because it makes me stressed out. I try to keep company with positive people who are uplifting. Sounds stupid, but really works.
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Your article is very interesting and humorous. From your article, I can see the true meaning of the word happy. This article, I believe many people are helpful. Very fortunate to share this article to your. Look forward to your updates.
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Thanks for the post! you are the hero! ;)
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Most of these ring true for me. This year I discovered (again) that dumbbell rows hurt my back, that bodyweight exercises are great, that losing a couple of pounds is never a bad thing and that I don't miss squatting.
Nick
COMMENT RULES: Critical posts are fine, but if you're rude I'll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your personal name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. But most of all, have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Tim Ferriss for the inspiration.)
Mike 11:28am Dec 22, 2011