Solving Problems & Rock Climbing

In rock climbing the phrase "solving a problem" refers to climbing a certain wall, rock, mountain or obstacle one was previously unable to conquer.  The climber solves the problem when after several or many attempts they figure out the way to get to the top.  In some instances they may need to use an extra amount of power or force.  In another scenario they may need to relax, breathe and move with greater precision.  It's the continual solving of problems that leads to becoming a better climber.

Climbing is one of the few sports requiring equal parts strength, relaxation and mental acuity. Climbing has taken of in recent months and I think it's because the skills can be brought into problem solving in life.  I have  a problem: I don't write enough to call myself a writer.  Additionally, I would like to translate some of my life experiences into short stories.  My problem isn't so much the writing as it is the fear of polishing and publishing.  Because I climb, I know to get past the fear of being judged I have to start to put out more work now.  The reps are key and as I refine my craft I will gather the confidence and the technical chops to release some creative fiction.  The more I write the more I further define, flush out and understand the problem.  Thank you for reading this I hope you come along as I climb this mountain.

You can find the more polished formalized version of this blog here: www.AdamShuty.com

Target Creativity

Welcome to a new project of mine - Target Creativity. It's actually what I've been working on for some time.  For all intents and purposes it's what I've been doing with my life since I created a backyard carnival for the neighborhood kids when I was twelve.  I've always wanted to put on a show and share my art.

Like an explorer slash scientist I searched for and hoped to find my voice, create true art, and possibly even stumble upon the holy grail of self actualization - my purpose in life.  In many ways I've found what I was looking for, created some amazing things and shared the accomplishments.  At the same time I thirst for the next adventure.

My goal is to send you quality creative work every week in an email.  I'm using this platform as both a way to stay in touch in this digital age and as a method of challenging myself to step up and deliver.  It would be my honor if you'd join me on this journey into Target Creativity.  Here I will be sending you useful, fun and creative information in the form of: Blogs, videos, podcasts, photographs, motivational concepts, success tips, life hacks and maybe even hip-hop tracks.

It's amazing how little we connect with all of the options out there to interact.  On some level it requires getting on the bandwagon.  And you know what? I may be late to the party but I've recently realized how truly lucky we are to be alive right now. So here I go, getting on the bandwagon of sharing what I'm doing. My hope is that you find some use for what I'm sending you and that through this forum we can stay in touch.

Week in Review July 27 - August 2, 2015

 Had a good week of acting work last week - several castings and one callback.  Also, I was called in to Smash Studios to do some ADR work on a project I had worked on last spring called Wall Street English.  It's an English as a second language tutorial film which I have yet to see.  It was really cool though, because I got to play a tough guy stunt coordinator and work with some super awesome people.  Thanks to Dutch Doscher for bringing me in on this project!  

This past week I ate very well - maybe too well! I know it is silly to post pictures of food and I often lament the proliferation of photos of food on the internet.  Also I don't know if this is what I want this blog to be about. However it is worthy of mention if only because my wife and I are using the new cooking implements given to us for our wedding.  

As you can see it's easy to cook and eat amazing food when you have the right equipment.  I steamed a ton of vegetables in the steamer pot mid week.  Then on Saturday Sarah and I made short ribs in the Le Creuset dutch oven. Delicious and so much better than dining out!

The other side of the coin reads thus: If all I have is photos of the food I ate to post on my blog then that ultimately that's what my life is all about. It's only a matter of perspective and presentation if that comes across as a good or bad or cool or boring thing.  I'll say this; If you haven't cooked short ribs you should try.  It's an adventure.

Sunday I woke up early and went for a short motorcycle ride over to DUMBO in Brooklyn to meet up with my riding buddy Lee.  We met up for doughnuts and coffee at the Brooklyn Coffee Roasters.  DUMBO is such an interesting place.  There's the bridge and the water and the view of the city.  It's kind of tucked away and somehow seems farther from Manhattan than it actually is.  I'm sure at one time it may have been a rough place but now it's full of cool shops, wealthy hip young people and lots of baby carriages.  If I had to move out of Manhattan I would definitely consider living there.

The Week In Review July 20 - 26, 2015

It was a great week... 
And I'm prepping for another one even better than the last.  It all starts with great nutrition.  I've lost 7 lbs in the past month simply by planning my meals and staying consistent with my workouts.  I never had to go hard or take extreme measures.  I drank lots of water, kept carbs to a minimum and increased the amount of fruits and vegetables I consumed.  When in doubt write it down and come up with a routine.  The more variables you can eliminate or control the easier it becomes to sculpt your body.

Classes Upgraded

We've added some new classes and improved the schedule at ATOMIC.  Over the past few months I've watched many people come and go through our training studio.  They all seem to leave happy but I had the feeling there was something missing.  That missing ingredient was standardization.  By allowing each instructor to do their own thing we were providing unique classes but nothing that could have quality control or continually improving standards.  By revisiting the classes and their structure I feel we can give higher level of service to our wonderful clients.  I hope to continue to learn how to deliver the most fun and effective classes in New York city.

Squat the Planet Challenge!

Melissa Levin completed the Squat the Planet Challenge at ATOMIC this week.  Melissa is a true competitor and holds herself to high standards when it comes to a fitness challenge.  She applied the techniques of putting in effort consistently over time and as a result had no problem squatting her body weight for 3 sets of 5 reps.  Way to go Melissa it's an honor working with you and watching you progress.

Christmas in July

Saturday 7/25 was amazing!  Not only was it Christmas in July there was a HUGE some could call it epic water gun battle in Central Park.  We came prepared with wine and cheese.  We used this as our only defense in warding of the marauding water warriors.  Next year we will definitely be on Amazon Prime weeks in advance stocking up on an arsenal of water dissemination devices.

After the H2O battle in the park, Sarah and I jumped on the motorcycle and headed to Pier A down in Battery Park.  It's a newish restaurant and bar right on the water.  We dined on oysters, tuna tartare, fish and chips.  We watched the sun set and took in the beautiful views of the Freedom tower and the Statue of Liberty.  We wish New York could always me this cill and beautiful.  Sigh, back to work on Monday. 

Get Organized and Get Going

Today I got organized; or at least my shelves and closet did.  I'm in the process of becoming a more consistent and proficient blogger and social media-ite.  I know the only way for me to do so is to really truly walk my talk.   It's exciting to think of myself as a big deal some day, making bigger more important decisions, taking on more responsibility and really bringing my thoughts and dreams into reality.  Sounds cheesy I know but the only way I can possibly get there is to get super organized and then put a system into place that ensures consistent incremental progress.  There really are no secrets out there we just simply have to study what works then put that knowledge into practice.  

Thanks for reading catch you later!

Adam