I have a love/hate relationship with the gym. Everyone does. For me though, it’s a personal test of my own impatience for both results and boredom. Rippling muscles don’t come overnight, and you can’t get your cardio done in 5 minutes. Though, I feel modern medicine should be looking for ways to make both of those happen. Far more important than curing the common cold, don’t you think?
Anyway … in an attempt to make my cardio less boring, I opt to use the built-in tv. I mean, I’ve already got the water bottle, automatic cooling fan, and iPod working. Why not add some tv to the mix?
I flip on the television and notice that Barbara Walters is being interviewed by Oprah. Now, I don’t normally hit the gym mid-day (and wow, it’s EMPTY mid-day!), and I can’t tell you the last time I watched Oprah. But here I am, sweating to the semi-oldies, and having a lovely time of it all.
Ms. Walters is discussing her new memoir “Audition,” and Oprah is prying Barbara to reveal all the intimate/juicy/Nielsen friendly details of the book. And, of course, Barbara is …
More interesting than who she “interviewed” was the fact that Barbara (a nice Jewish girl from Brookline!) worked hard to get where she is. She supported her entire family, created opportunities where none existed, and used her smarts to get ahead in an industry that wasn’t always that friendly to her.
So what – lots of people have done that, right? Well, not exactly. I’ve supervised a LOT of interns and just-out-of-college types. More often than not, the thought of getting someone’s coffee, making copies, or picking up lunch for the boss is unfathomable. That’s a sad thing. As for me, I can still remember how my first boss liked his coffee. I shuttled his kids to/from the airport, ran his errands, and NONE of that was in the job description. Point is, I did it, learned from it, got promoted up the ranks, and appreciate the people and jobs that came inbetween. Ultimately, the job that needs to be done is the one that’s the most important. No need for standing on principle here. Quite simply, who you are is determined by your actions – not some piece of paper. Step up to the plate, do the job, and be rewarded. If you think you’re too good to do something, odds are you’re in the wrong place.
Incidentally, while I was at the gym with Oprah and Barbara, I looked around. It was all housewives (and me!) walking on the treadmill and watching tv. Not a soap opera or bon-bon in sight….
