Use It or Lose It

We have all heard the saying use it or lose it.  If you have a skill, gift, or talent you need to use it to keep it fresh or it will eventually go away.  I recently experienced this in a major way.

This Summer my friend Chad and I bravely started the exercise program INSANITY.  For those of you that haven't seen the infomercial, it is a 60 day program with an 45 minute workout of max interval training each day.  It really is INSANE.  I traveled a lot this Summer but managed to complete a majority of the first 45 days.  I was in shape and  definitely noticed results in the mirror.  Unfortunately, I was unable to finish due to a broken pinky toe.  (Don't judge me.)

So I worked for 45 days and got to a certain level of fitness.  Less than 3 weeks later, less than half of the time I had so INSANELY worked out, I lost it and was nearly back to normal.  (Chad completed the entire 60 days and is repeating it again with his wife!  Talk about INSANE!  He certainly hasn't lost it!)

I was reminded that being in shape is an on going process.  It is a Path you take.  60 days of INSANITY will get you in shape, but only for 60 days.  Regardless of the program, if you don't use your muscles, you will lose them.

The same could be said for getting your mind, marriage, spiritual life, golf game, and any other area of your life.  If you don't work at it, it will eventually fall apart.

Use it or lose it!

What do you need to start using or working at again?   
As Leaders, how can you ensure your team/family/school/class continues to 'use it' rather than 'lose it'?