BooneThink

As for conforming outwardly, and living your own life inwardly, I do not think much of that. — Henry David Thoreau

An exercise physiologist stands up and says to a group at the recent sports medicine meeting, “My name is Matt, I am an exercise physiologist. I support the American Society of Exercise Physiologists in the professional development of exercise physiology.” The group applauds. This is a meeting of adults. This is a meeting of sports medicine and exercise science members. They are interested in keeping things as they are. Another group of participants is interested in exercise physiology, one day at a time. The group that applauded Shane is outwardly accommodating, but on the inside each one is foolishly continuing to support sports medicine. This scenario occurs time after time in fitness facilities, academic departments, and clinical settings. Clearly, ASEP cannot exist or survive or function unless exercise physiologists live what they believe.

Comformity is a poor way to get the most out of members. The independent person, on the other hand, decides for him or herself what is important and what changes in behavior are appropriate. Often, it is the independent person who is ridiculed or subjected to sanctions (such as indifference). Evidence of the deleterious effects of conformity reinforces the conclusion that self-esteem and the importance of maintaining a positive sense of who you are and what you are (as an exercise physiologist) is directly linked to the power and social support of a professional organization. ASEP is a friend to all exercise physiologists.

A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. — Arabian proverb