Protection Isn’t Always Progress
Why real progress sometimes requires manual effort
Perspective can turn a setback into a turning point.
But it doesn’t feel that way at first.
Sometimes it feels like being asked to do more than you want to.
Opening Insight
In business, we try to reduce risk, protect capacity, and avoid unnecessary strain.
That instinct is often right.
But there are moments when staying protected keeps you stuck.
The only way forward is to take responsibility for the work yourself.
I learned that in rehab.
The Story
After my cycling accident, my right shoulder was severely injured.
Doctors were concerned that the repetitive stress of pushing a manual wheelchair would prevent it from healing. There was real doubt I’d ever raise my right arm above shoulder height again.
So I was discharged from rehab in an unwieldy power chair.
It made sense. It reduced strain and limited friction.
And if I’m honest, I was comfortable there.
The chair did the work. I steered.
Then Jenny, my physical therapist, suggested we try transitioning to a manual chair.
Her thinking wasn’t reckless. It was deliberate. Gradual loading. Controlled repetition. Use the shoulder carefully rather than assuming it can’t handle stress.
I was timid and fearful.
What she was really asking me to do was take responsibility for my recovery.
The manual chair required me to propel myself forward.
Literally and metaphorically.
It would have been easier to stay where I was.
But the power chair preserved me.
The manual chair required me.
And engaging that shoulder carefully and consistently ultimately allowed it to heal.
This Week’s G.O.L.D. Principle: Drive
Drive isn’t speed.
It’s ownership.
There are times when systems carry you. Markets cooperate. Momentum does the work.
And there are times when forward progress requires personal engagement again.
Manual effort.
That’s the moment when leaders either stay insulated… or step in.
Perspective determines which.
As usual, you inspire me. Keep doing it!
Your messaging is resonating with me and no doubt many. I had a total detatched rotator cuff and had surgery on it, 11 years ago, 3 days after my 50th birthday. I had become accustomed to living with the discomfort, at times pain and did not give it a lot of thought. Didn't even know I had a tear, just lived with it.
Steve and I were in Montreal a few months prior to my surgery (before I knew there would be surgery or even what was wrong) we hiked up Mount Royal, our trips are generally pretty active hiking, skiing, and other activities that keep us fit and living our best lives. I remember climbing those stairs and at one point literally had to elevate my arm to stop the throbbing. We were halfway up, and I had to rest my arm on Steve's shoulder to stop the throbbing pain. This was the moment when I realized there was something happening that was having an impact on what I loved to do.
Once home, I found an orthopedist, I had an 8MM tear, which generally would have been surgery but he recommended PT first. There I was, up at 6AM at PT at 7AM, three times a week, before going to work, but at the second week, I was doing and exercise with my therapist and something changed. I looked at her and said, ok, not sure what just happened, but I need to stop.
Surgery scheduled, an hour in and out, Steve in the waiting room and four hours later, 8MM went to detatched and torn tendons in my bicep. YIkes!
Months of PT to recover from the surgery and finally able to be active again.....but on different terms.
Today, 11 years later, I am doing pilates three to four times a week. I can honestly say this is the first time, since the surgery and physical therapy that I am stronger and more mobile than I have been in years.
I can not even imagine, knowing you, watching your accomplishments and the things you continue to do, not being a part of your life. No doubt you thank that therapist all day long for pushing you out of that chair!
Keep Inspiring us!