What is Functional Physical Fitness
Functional Physical Fitness is the ability to safely perform daily physical activities. The idea is to have enough general fitness that we can do more and get injured less. Functional Physical Fitness also includes exercising with variety. In other words, we don’t hyper focus on being able to squat 2x our body weight but not be able to climb a flight of stairs without sucking wind. Functional physical fitness prepares our bodies for real-world tasks, like carrying groceries, lifting stuff, and climbing up down stairs if the elevator is out…
The Pitfalls of Specialization
The alternative is functional fitness is specialization. Specialized physical goals include lofty goals like benching 200 pounds or running a 7-minute mile. These are worthwhile pursuits I’ve chased personally. However, those pursuits require a dedicated focus that often obscure other goals.
Specialization comes with tradeoffs. It’s the rare person who can bench 200 pounds and run a 7 minute mile. I’ve been a runner for decades – and I set a goal of benching 200 pounds. However, by the time I built up the mass to be able bench 200 pounds, I actually weighed almost 200 pounds. The related impact was that I could no longer run well because my body revolted against having to haul the extra mass (let’s assume it was all muscle J). Regardless, if I had pushed through and kept running, I would have ended up with an injury. I had to accept the trade-off. Now I focus on Functional Fitness so I can do both well, instead of doing one really well.
Function Business Fitness
Function Business Fitness feels very similar. If we are VERY good at one thing, we must be careful that one thing doesn’t impact other parts of our business. For example, we have likely all had experiences with companies who are very good at selling us a product or service, but not so good at delivering on what they sell. While being good at sales may get them so far (like being able to reach the 200 pound bench press faster), they are likely to pull a muscle as soon as they start running at 7-minute pace to keep up with what they sold. If they focus too much on selling (or some other specialty) that their other functions suffer.
Note: I realize that balancing these elements is one of the paradoxes of running a business. It’s not easy.
Functional GovCon Fitness
And yes, this concepts tracks to Functional GovCon Fitness too.
GovCon in particular is ripe with obstacles that get in our way (make it hard to do more) or trip us up (make it easier to get injured). The slew of variables, options, acquisition strategies, contract types, contract vehicles, agencies, policies, rules, regulations, and (lately) Executive Orders, can make staying in GovCon shape particularly difficult. While these rules and regs may not be set up to be “obstacles”, that’s what they often turn into. Those who have Functional GovCon Fitness are more capable (can do more) and more resilient (are less likely to get injured).
So, where to start?
I recommend focusing on the principles and strategy rather than trying to memorize all the elements and nuances of GovCon. Principles of obtaining and maintaining Functional Physical Fitness are Adaptability, Core Strength, Integration, and Flexibility. Those principles track well with the elements of Functional GovCon Fitness:
Adaptability:
Functional Physical Fitness prepares the body for various physical tasks.
Functional GovCon Fitness ensures we can pivot and respond to changes in requirements, acquisition strategies, competitive processes, performance challenges, and, of course, evolving regulations.
Core Strength
Functional Physical Fitness requires core strength for stability and balance.
Functional GovCon Fitness requires good stability and balance to ensure the evolving GovCon landscape doesn’t knock us off our foundation. We need these core competencies to navigate the GovCon Forces of Competition, Communication, and Regulations (see my upcoming webinar to learn more about these GovCon Forces).
Integrated Approach
Functional Physical Fitness takes a holistic approach by working on multiple muscle groups and movements.
Functional GovCon Fitness requires an integrated view of different elements of government contracting so we know how they work together to meet the government’s mission through a network of contracts.
Flexibility
Functional Physical Fitness includes stretching and adaptation in order to keep challenging our muscles with new movements.
Functional GovCon Fitness requires us to be open the variety of options throughout the regulations. The ability to adapt to changing regulations, requirements, and market conditions is crucial. While we eventually do pick one acquisition strategy, GovCon requires the flexibility to adapt to new information, circumstances, and rules like tariffs, curtailed workforce, and even a new regulation (FAR 2.0). Each organization, each situation, each person is unique. That means that Functional GovCon Fitness is not a one size fits all. It helps to focuses on a few key areas
FGF ensures we’re not pretending that GovCon is a one size fits all path to success. The definition of “success” is different for each client and each person. Focusing on Functional GovCon Fitness means we are ready, come what may.
Looking to improve your Functional GovCon Fitness©? Our training, mentoring, and consulting services help you get and stay fit in the GovCon. We focus on principles and strategies rather than memorizing every nuance, ensuring you are ready for whatever comes your way.
