The point of the story is easily described by going in the ‘way back machine’ to a conversation I had with my daughter when she was four years old.
“Daddy, why is there a core in the middle of the apple?”
I said the following as we held the half eaten apple in both of our hands, “Well sweetie the core protects the seeds and the seeds are what grow into big apple trees and bring us many more big beautiful apples in the future.”
She smiled and said, “I didn’t know that” and then she saw a wonderful yellow and orange butterfly and darted up and chased after it.
This story was important to begin with as I did not want to lose anyone when speaking about fitness trainers and working out so stay with me on this next part.
For those of you who work out or are around fitness trainers, you have heard over the last ten years or more the concept of ‘building up your core’ or ‘this is great for your core’.
The concept is basically to establish your inner or core muscle group before working on the show and tell muscle groups like chest, biceps, triceps, thighs, etc. The core muscle workouts do not ignore the show and tell muscle groups, it is the method which differs.
The workouts include balance and stability, stretching and the use of a variety of weight training plus cardio. The building up of one’s core muscle group will have a longer term positive impact upon one’s overall fitness level than to just throw around a few weights every few times. More importantly, by building up a strong core muscle group one may choose to become a more serious weight trainer and achieve greater results or move right into other endeavors like yoga, which I have done, and become totally immersed in their practice rapidly because they have a solid core to build upon.
It is not that these concepts of core training are new. They arose to the forefront as fitness trainers became more prevalent and the fitness trainers noticed the trend of their clients dropping out after a few workouts or a few weeks or months of training, which was usually just when their personal breakthroughs were about to take place. This is why you see the large balance balls and other pieces of equipment around most modern fitness centers. All of these are to make the experience more interesting while producing great results. It is when you are challenged and you break through the challenges you find your positive results soon follow.
The correlation between these two stories is that having a solid handle on your core business fundamentals and principles is what will set the stage for your future growth and success in your own business. It is especially true for people who are creative and live in their own world of ideas and creativity. What they create and imagine is beautiful! Often they see the yellow and orange butterfly and want to chase it. They all must think first about a strong core and foundation for their business.
If you are ready to have a premier business strategist work with you on developing your core business foundation click on the box to the right and begin with an initial business strategy session with Mitch Tublin.
©2010 Mitch Tublin All Rights Reserved
Mitch
Your stories are always great and this one makes total sense. And I think many of us can totally relate to the yellow and orange butterfly!
Trudy
Trudy,
Thanks for your comment. Chasing those butterflies is so much fun. Until we look up and realize we no longer know where we are! Mitch
It is so true Mitch, taking care of the core of our business is essential to the health of our business.
I would take this a step further as well, to me the core is about spiritual connection. When we have a solid connection to our spirit and our true power we are perfectly positioned for success!
Laura,
Thanks for sharing that next connection. Maybe there is more to discuss together on this aspect?
Mitch
Hey Mitch great analogy – I actually use the example of the apple as part of my Living Leadership teachings. It is so true that our core is what gives us strength and foundation to build on and just like a big oak tree – having deep roots and a solid core is what will helps stay strong when the winds of time blow.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom
Heidi Alexandra
Heidi,
Cool, I knew I liked you!
Mitch
Mitch,
I love how you started with the apple. So simple, easy to understand and very powerful. I love how the core holds the seeds to greatness. Thank you.
Kiyla Fenell
Kiyla,
The seeds bear the fruit for tomorrow.
Mitch
MItch,
Thanks for sharing. I love how you described the apple core to your daughter and you are so right about the importance of our “business core”.
Write on!~
Lisa
Lisa,
Thank you for your comment. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday.
Mitch
Thanks so much – I can so easily relate to the beautiful butterfly! Love your story about the apple, so simple but sensible and true. You will remind me to stay focussed every time I bite into an apple.
Pinky,
New meaning to ‘an apple a day…’
Mitch
Absolutely — take care of your core, and the rest will often take care of itself!
Katherine,
Yes, the core is key.
Mitch
Business basics may not be as sexy as some of the flashy marketing baubles that get put in front of us these days, but they are so critical…
Thanks for the great reminder, Mitch!
Phil
Phil,
When you build a business it is like building a house, you must have a solid foundation.
Thanks for stopping in, Mitch
Core functions are just like core strengths, vital to business. You nailed it, as usual, Mitch!
Sue Painter
Thanks Sue, Of course you would get it!