The Hamstring Hammock

I was lying in the MRI machine, listening to the thumps and hums as I stayed completely still.

I was hoping for an answer.
Something to tell me what was wrong.

I had already had an x-ray and an ultrasound, which hadn't given me anything to work with.

They hadn't shown anything.
No tears.
Nothing broken.

The MRI proved to be the same.

So what was wrong?
Why was my hip causing me so much trouble?
Why was walking challenging?

The answer finally came from the physical therapist, and it was quite simple: "Vous êtes trop raide."

TRANSLATION: You are too stiff.

All that pain, all the time unable to be active, play sports, and even walk comfortably, were all due to my inflexibility.

All because after an intense workout, I wasn't willing to add in an additional 10-15 minutes to stretch out my muscles.

While in my convalescence last Spring, I was ironically hoping for some tear in the ligaments, to justify the pain I was in. And it was a hard lesson to know that it was 100% preventable, if I was only willing to take the time and care needed.

As I was lying in my hamstring hammock this morning, giving my bum and hamstrings a good stretch, I was thinking about how this translated to leadership.

Over the years, I have had plenty of painful leadership moments, where I have been sidelined because I didn't prioritize my stretching.

I didn't prioritize the uncomfortable conversation.
I didn't prioritize attending to my emotions.
I didn't prioritize people over productivity.

And so on.

And just like my lack of stretching my muscles, there was a consequence.

Sometimes, what we think isn't necessary at the moment, proves to be essential long term.

Do you create time for stretching?

Originally posted on LinkedIn with comments.

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