And, what's the difference?
This is easier to understand in the context of the work place. Is someone just putting the time in, or actually getting stuff done. Are they busy or are they truly productive. While productivity may require you to be busy, "busy-ness" does not necessarily indicate productivity.
Being busy (active) is motion.
Being productive (experiencing progress) is movement.
You can easily see how this relates to martial arts and physical training in general.
Motion is our activity. All the (hopefully necessary) things that we do in order to reach our goals as well as fulfill the requirements of said activity: going to class on a regular basis, practicing forms, hitting pads, kettlebell swings, logging our food intake, etc...
Movement is our progress. Movement is transitioning from one stage of training / learning to the next. This could be reaching a major milestone like earning your Muay Thai shorts, Taekwondo Black Belt, hitting a PR in a certain lift, or reaching a major weight loss goal. But, it could also be smaller more incremental progressions like being able to finish a combo without stumbling, memorizing a new form, or going up a few kilos on kettlebell swings. You are ready for the next step in some way.
Before we get to far, take note that motion without movement is not necessarily a bad thing. It will happen. Two weeks ago, we talked about having permission to fail. In a focused context motion without movement does look and feel like failure; however, we need to remember, and be able, to sometimes take a broader view and see that this so called failure is only temporary.
Motion is necessary for movement.
But, motion does not equate to movement (progress).
And, being in motion without ever progressing is not good either. There is a difference between enjoying the plateau and being stuck on a hamster wheel. Enjoying the plateau is a wonderful thing. It means that we've dedicated ourselves and practice for the sake of practice itself but this practice is purposeful and ultimately we know there will be progress no matter how distant. Conversely, we can get stuck doing a bunch of stuff that just doesn't work. It may even be good stuff but it's just not right for you.
Now you need a way to help ensure that motion actually leads to movement.
The first step is to recognize that "how much" stuff you are doing is not necessarily of value. What is of value is the actual movement from one step to the next.
The next step is to stop "feeling" and start "knowing". I frequently hear this construction "I feel like....". Then insert the relevant statement of your choice. "I feel like I'm eating right" "I feel like I'm working out a lot" "I feel like that's what I'm doing" Don't feel. Know. The only way to know is through recording and accountability. You need to find a journaling system that works for you and you will stick with. This can be a diary, a templated training log, an app on your mobile device, a Facebook group or even a coach that just forces you to do it.
Finally, accept that you may need to make some changes. Often, the best change is elimination. The better you are with logging, the sooner in the process you can remove the things that don't work for you. You can make the tweaks to your motion that will enable more movement. Also remember that in order to facilitate changes you may need input. This can be from your own research, training partners or coaches.
Movement is important. If you have a lot of motion without movement there is an increased chance that you may give up altogether. The commitment to healthy living is a life-long one. We need to make sure that commitment is sustainable.
Sincerely,
Somnath Sikdar
Master Instructor
