I was thinking about the last 6 months or so and realized that they have been some of the most interesting I’ve ever experienced as a fitness business owner in both my personal fitness business and corporate wellness business. Human psychology is a fascinating subject in and of itself, but lately, it’s something that I’ve been paying closer attention to; in particular, attitude and actions (or inactions) and the reasoning for both.
Since things changed in March it seems that every week a client has said THANK YOU for delivering their personal and group fitness, life, and nutrition coaching to them, whether live on Zoom or at a “distance” driveway personal training at their home. Basically, appreciation for finding a way to keep them motivated and moving.
At the same time, over the last few months, some people have quit or not renewed membership, choosing to not make a change because they’ve made the decision that online doesn’t work for them.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
So, what’s the difference between the groups of people? Before March they both appeared to be similar? Well, If I were to sum it up in one word it would be IDENTITY.
When you identify with or are someone who works out and leads an overall healthy lifestyle, the other life circumstances just don’t matter. They will find a way that works, be flexible, and still get it done.
If you are in this group and your gym is closed or you’re just not comfortable working out with others, no problem – you’ll join the live online workouts. It’s not even a question of ‘If’ it’s just a matter of what time of day and how many times per week. You improvise, adapt, and overcome the circumstances to get your workouts in because that’s what you do. It’s part of your identity.
On the other hand, if you workout as a means to an end, just about any change in circumstance will throw you off your routine. Any excuse to not show up or give the effort will be found. This is especially true for people who only workout to lose weight. If you’ve been overweight for a long time or even if you lost a bunch of weight working out (but don’t identify yourself as someone who works out for working out sake), you’ll be totally OK with stopping and gaining the weight back until you can lose it again. You will justify it with some reason that works for you.
Why?
Because THAT is your identity. Someone who loses and gains weight. Is this you? Truth here –There was a time when this was me, so I get it. Now, if you fall into this quitting or not showing up group, please don’t get upset or offended. This is a growth moment for you. If what I’m saying or about to say is a little off-putting, take a step back and examine that. Really ask yourself why and be real with your answer. You can choose to be upset with me for bringing it up if you want or need to. But are you really? You know I want to help.
Look, if you’ve been someone who has always started and stopped and started and stopped, then you need to take a hard look at your identity. Even if you’ve been “in the game” for the last 2 years, but now you’re off “because of COVID”, it’s still an identity thing.
And, don’t kid yourself by saying, “The online workouts don’t work for me.”
They “don’t work” because YOU don’t identify with or as someone who works out. That’s why you have a difficult time showing up.
You may site technology or a small screen or no group vibe or not being with your friends, no time, or any other EXCUSE I’ve heard, but those are all coming up because working out isn’t really part of your identity. It just isn’t and its ok.
And, by the way, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you how you identify. It’s nobody’s place to judge anyone else’s identity. – – I have love for you no matter what.
I identify as a dog lover. If you don’t, that doesn’t make you wrong or bad or anything else other than someone who isn’t a dog lover. That’s it.
I’m just pointing this out to you as a way of helping you understand why you don’t get the results you say you want; why you might be that person who rides the weight loss roller coaster (weight fluctuates your whole life) or the weight loss carousel (jump from one program/diet to another).
Now, here’s something to know about your identity, best part: If you want to, you can change it! You have the Power to Decide.
Just like a smoker can become a non-smoker, a person who doesn’t identify as a “workouter” (is that even a word?) can become one. I’ve seen it countless times in my 20+ year career.
I’ll cover HOW to do that in a future newsletter, but to help you get started is quite simple. Start behaving like the person who has the results you want… And, it’s not about being someone else. I mean behave like the YOU who has it…Like you are already doing it.
If you need my support, PLEASE REACH OUT. There’s NO JUDGEMENT. As a coach, I just want to help you make the transformation you want to achieve and live the healthy lifestyle you deserve.
Gandhi once said ‘Be the change you want to create”. So transform your “I want and I wish” into ‘I Am’ by taking action now.
