A couple years ago I blew out my right AC joint while mountain biking with Jordan. Actually, I didn’t blow it out why cycling, it was the crash landing that caused my pain. Moving on.
My physical therapist, Eric, worked me really hard to get my shoulder back in working order. We worked together 3 times a week for months. He was a pain in the butt to work with. He just was. He wouldn’t let me have my way. In fact, he refused to give me what I wanted. Over and over I asked him for more work in between our sessions. He simply smiled and refused my request.
Regardless my approach, he could not be moved. He simply would not give me more than 3 stretches to do in between our sessions. I begged him for more, thinking if 3 is good, 4 or 5 must be better. I was certain that I was right.
As my time was about up and my shoulder improving, I pushed him to tell me “why” he wouldn’t give me more. Finally, the truth emerged.
He had read a study that proved that 3 was the magic number. Something about 4 or more caused people to become overwhelmed. The study showed that once we’re overwhelmed, we STOP. We don’t even perform stretch 1, much less number 2 and number 3. We simply STOP. His research with his clients had led him to the same conclusions. Stop at three. And so he did.
As you enjoy your week at work and life, remember to NOT overwhelm yourself with too many good stretches, literally and figuratively. Think 1 or 2 and maybe 3.
Stretch. Get out of your comfort zone. Embrace the pain. AND, stop short of overwhelming yourself and those around you.
Done so.
BUILT TO LEAD 
Dang! The “VITAL” model just became the “VIT” model. Somehow it just doesn’t feel right, but I hear ya’ about “the flood.” I, in particular, gotta watch that tendency. Thanks for the reminder, Chet.