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One of the things I don't like about social media is that the people who are trying to grow & improve are usually only seeing the 'after' of the people they're studying, admiring and even trying to emulate.
Frankly, it might be inspirational...but I'm not sure how valuable it is.
I think it would be better to see the 'before' and 'during' stages of their journey so you can learn from and, in some cases, model those.
I think back to the earlier stages of my journey…
I started working out when I was 13 years old, and by the time I was in high school, I had become the go-to guy for my friends who wanted to learn how to train and work out.
Fast forward to my late 30s, I began training people in the gym professionally.
Despite all those years of experience, I often felt inadequate to the task.
I've developed a reputation for helping people who were "broken" in some way, and this came with its own set of challenges.
There were many times when I questioned my understanding of the process. When clients got injured or experienced recurring pain,
I would stop and ask myself, "Am I hurting these people? Is it because of my advice that they are in pain?"
Even 20 years later, with numerous certifications and hundreds of hours of training, study and experience, I still question myself when a client tells me about an injury or feeling stuck in their training.
It's a constant battle with self-doubt, but it's also a reminder that I'm always striving to improve and learn.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Before starting Workhorse Gym, I had managed a service business successfully, fixing systems and making significant profits for them.
However, when I started my own gym, I felt like I didn't know anything about running a business.
How do I get clients?
How do I manage accounts?
These questions plagued me, despite being considered an excellent manager from my military service to running someone else's company.
Even today, I sometimes struggle with whether I truly know anything about business. It's a humbling experience, but it also keeps me grounded and constantly learning.
Learning and Growth:
At one point, seeing the trend of personal training moving online, I hired a very expensive coach who promised less working hours and lots of profit.
His promises were enticing, but it turned out to be a very bad investment that nearly bankrupted both the business and me personally.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: hard work and steady progress are what truly work. Just because something is new and shiny doesn't make it better or faster.
It's the same advice I give my clients: time and consistency pay dividends. There isn't always a shortcut, and the journey itself is what builds strength and resilience.
Empathy and Connection:
These struggles have made me a much better coach. They've given me more empathy and taught me to solve problems and adapt.
When clients come to me with their injuries or setbacks, I can relate to their frustrations and fears because I've been there myself.
I remember one client who was on the verge of giving up due to a recurring shoulder injury. Sharing my own experiences of self-doubt and setbacks (and shoulder injuries) helped him see that he wasn't alone, and together, we worked on a plan that eventually led to his recovery and progress.
It's moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.
Balancing Life:
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life and family is always a challenge. There have been times when I had to make tough decisions to prioritize one over the other.
For instance, there was a period when my business demanded all my attention, but I knew I couldn't neglect my family. I had to find a way to delegate and manage my time more effectively, which wasn't easy but was necessary for my well-being and my relationships.
Progress in Small Steps:
Some of the most impactful changes in my career and personal life have come from small, incremental steps.
For example, implementing a new client management system seemed like a minor change, but it significantly improved efficiency and client satisfaction over time.
I encourage my clients to appreciate and strive for small progress in their fitness journey because those small steps add up to big results.
Your Own Before and During:
My journey is filled with 'before' and 'during' stages that contrast sharply with where I am now.
From a teenager lifting weights at the Y to a business owner with a wealth of experience and knowledge, the journey has been anything but straightforward.
These stories of struggle, self-doubt, and eventual success are what make the journey worthwhile and provide the best lessons for anyone looking to follow a similar path.
...and so many other things you wouldn't see by looking at my FB page, reading testimonials or bios online...or even consuming much of what I put out.
But I think those things are far more important to helping you than seeing some guy standing in front of a rented sports car or passing themselves off as some genius.
No, I think we all need to know that the people who are a few steps ahead of us on the journey didn't get there without feeling like an imposter, struggling or even falling flat on their face a few times.
I know I did all of the above...
...and it has made me a MUCH better coach.
It's given me more empathy.
It's taught me to solve problems and adapt.
And doing it all while trying to prioritize my family has helped me figure out how to understand that progress in small steps is the way.
So if you occasionally feel like an imposter or even a failure from time to time...welcome to the club.
It's got more members than you can possibly imagine, even if some of them won't admit it.
Stay motivated, keep learning, and remember that progress is made in small steps. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are often the best teachers.