Alfred Adler,Goal Setting,Expectations and Felix Zandman

Although Alfred Adler was one of the charter members of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society and later its president, he separated from Sigmund Freud and developed his own theory of personality. For one, he developed a philosophical doctrine that was based more on idealistic positivism. He believed in the idea that man is motivated more by his expectations of the future than he is by the experiences of the past. This means that man employs expectations or levels of aspiration that guide and influence his behavior. In other words, he sets goals that are based upon expectancies. The more realistic the goals are results in more accomplishment. So it is important not to set one’s goals either too low or too high.  If the goal is set to low, it does little for your self esteem. If the goal is set too high, the chance of failure increases which is also negative for self-esteem. Goal setting and expectancies go hand-in-hand.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal on June 7, 2011 pertains to Felix Zandman. Felix was born in 1928 and died last week. His story is remarkable as he survived the Holocaust as a teenager. Apparently, as a teenager, he was crammed into a tiny underground chamber beneath a Polish peasant’s cottage. The article indicated that he was one of the few Jews in Grodno, a Polish city during World War II, which is now part of the Belarus, who survived the war. The story went on to indicate that his uncle taught him trigonometry and higher math by rote while underground.

Eventually Felix immigrated to the United States and founded a company that manufactured electronic resistors that he sold to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the military, and later to the computer industry. Clearly, this man focused on his future and obviously set goals and realistic expectations.

What does this have to do with exercise? In my book, “It Has Nothing to Do with Age” prescription number 7. Become inspired and motivated by reading the illuminating profiles of eight remarkable senior athletes found within this book. In reading about these athletes you will learn how the thinking process affects achievement and performance. One can learn about training, levels of aspiration, expectancies, and goal setting. The key is to focus on self talk and thinking positively. A downfall is listening to irrational held beliefs and self-defeating thoughts.

Pay attention to the dialogue that takes place between Tony and me related to our competitiveness.  Pay specific attention to our goals and how we talk about them. I like Alfred Adler’s philosophy and what he had to say about looking to the future.

Amgen,Alfred Adler,Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver

I am influenced by the writings of Austrian born Alfred Adler. Alfred Adler, one of the founders of the psychoanalytic movement, separated from Sigmund Freud in 1911 over the issue of sexuality and developed a psychological theory of his own. For example, he incorporated the concepts inferiority complex, striving for superiority and social interest as some of his components in his social psychological theory. In my book, I utilize his ideas and present a model in understanding the motivation of the ultra-athlete.

Recently, Alfred Adler’s ashes have been discovered in Scotland after being lost for more than 70 years. He died in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1937 while on a lecture tour. His ashes will now be delivered to Vienna to be re-interned in a place of honor in the cities central cemetery.

On another note, more tidbits about former Gov. Austrian born Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver are progressing with their separation. Arnold admitted having an affair and a child with one of their employees. In a previous blog, I talked about the possibility there was a loss of passion in Arnold’s and Maria's relationship. Apparently, it is a little more complicated. I am positive more of their story is forthcoming. Arnold may have a sexual addiction. The word addiction is often associated with behavior problems like alcohol, drugs, smoking, caffeine, gambling etc.

When I was interviewed by Susan Cohn Rockefeller in the Western States 100 documentary titled “Running Madness” in 2002, I referred to my running as an addiction. In other words, all addictions are not bad. As long as an “addiction” does not interfere, in a negative way, with one’s relationships, family, work, or health, then an activity like running is and can be a positive. So how can we get more people addicted to physical exercise or running to improve health and well being? Research of the brain tells us that our brain lights up (pleasure) while were engaged in thinking about or engaging in an addictive behavior. When neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, the prefrontal cortex, and the mid brain interact and are activated, we experience” pleasure” or simply put the addiction “lights up “the brain.

The task, for those of you that aren’t addicted to exercise, is to find a way to change behavior in order to change your brain chemistry so you can experience pleasure. The more you experience pleasure from the activity, the more you’re likely to engage or repeat that behavior. In this case I’m talking about getting started or keep motivated to improve your health. Today, Tony and I ran a short 6 mile or so loop just prior to the rain. We have been running on Tuesdays and Thursdays on a regular basis. Tony mentioned that he looks forward to our runs and I agree. I look forward to running with him and I know brain chemistry is involved. Prescription 1.from my book: get inspired. It’s okay to begin a new activity by taking baby steps. Physical activity can help in improving physical fitness, losing weight, reducing anxiety and minimizing depression.

Too bad the Amgen bike racers have to ride in this rainy wet weather. Today, they traveled through the endurance capital of the world which is Auburn, California. You realize they are addicted too. Ride safely you guys.