I just got back from an amazing trip to New York and New Jersey volunteering (on the coaching/support team) for a self-improvement workshop, and attending a mastermind meeting within my industry. In my mastermind group there were 5 of the biggest names in my industry and it was amazing learning from them. Simply put, they gave me a much needed kick in the a$$ to move forward on projects that I’ve been putting off due to many excuses – or as James Arthur Ray likes to say “Good Stories”.

You see, so many of us have the passion to pursue things but lack the drive and discipline to keep it in our sights. We let “ourselves” get in the way, and blame the lack of results on “life” getting in the way. Whether you agree with me or not, we are always responsible for our results – ALWAYS. If that pushes your buttons, I have three words and three fingers pointing right at your face simply telling you to “Get Over It”. That’s right, I said it, “Get Over It”.

“Pointing fingers (photo credit: cowbite)”

I’ve learned that who we are today isn’t a determiner of who we will be, but is a direct result of our past actions. By now you’re probably saying, “Rommel, what the heck does this have to do with fitness?” Everything! Every week I hear clients telling me every “good story” or excuse in their book as to why they’re not achieving the results they want. They point fingers at others when they should be pointing the finger at themselves. Only you can push yourself harder in a workout, only you can put non-nutritious food in your mouth, and only you can control your time to dedicate to your fitness plan and achieve the results you’re looking for.

As fitness professionals/coaches we’re here to help motivate you, and to provide you the tools and the “map” to your fitness goals, but we are definitely not the ones to drive you there. It’s not our place. So get over yourself, stop complaining, and just get done what needs to be done. Take small steps if needed, but just understand that every small step achieved is a victory not a challenge. At least you took action, and that’s better than 90% of the individuals out there. Take inspired action, get it done, and before you know it you’ve achieved the results you’ve been looking for.

Do you agree or disagree with this post? Are you taking inspired action? Questions/comments about today’s post?

- Rommel

Photo credit: cowbite

Yesterday I received a blog entry from another fitness professional by the name of Dax Moy. Dax has quickly become a trainer to trainers, and is the most sought after fitness professional in London. His blog “What I believe…”, hit home with me and I’m sure with many other fitness professionals. He came to a realization on the importance of being crystal clear on your own beliefs, and to share those beliefs with others whenever and wherever you can for real success to happen.
The reason it hit home with me is because I just came back from a long business trip at a very beautiful resort during which I had a lot of time to reflect on what beliefs and actions were holding me back from true success. Let’s just say I experienced a life transforming event.
Anyway, Dax issued out a challenge to all fitness professionals reading his blog to move towards a more “transparent” approach to sharing information with our clients. I agree with him and I accept his challenge to share with you my beliefs, especially with regards to my profession.
Here it goes…
“What I Believe”

• I believe that my purpose in life is to make a difference in other people’s lives through health and fitness. And through this medium I am able to not only enable a client, but help empower that client to make lasting changes. Nowadays, I’m always reminded of a quote from a mentor of mine: “Find your purpose in this lifetime and PURSUE it, and DO IT with EXCELLENCE…and fall SO IN LOVE with what you do and fall SO IN LOVE with what you’re a part of, that the lines blur!”

• I believe that true success in life is to make your vocation your vacation.

• I believe and agree with Dax Moy that fitness professionals have played the role of poor cousin to the medical community for too long. As Dax stated, “Doctors are, in my opinion, at their most valuable during trauma, but that they have no place in the promotion of health to the general population as long as they remain dependent upon pharmaceutical interventions. To this end, health and fitness professionals need to stop taking orders from medics who, despite having HUGE budgets and a global empire to support them are failing badly. They are more educated but less qualified for this role.”

• I believe that optimum health requires the harmony of these elements: strong mindset, supportive nutrition, proper cardiovascular and strength training, proper education on physiology and body mechanics, and accountability/professional assistance. These are the five elements that embody my company “Element 5 Fitness”.

• I believe that as a fitness professional/coach, you must take full responsibility and not only be qualified, but also have the experience to help empower clients to reach their desired goals. Just because you’ve read and educated yourself about fitness modalities doesn’t mean you know how to teach it. There are too many “fitness enthusiasts” who give our industry a bad rap by becoming certified personal trainers, and hurt clients because of their inexperience and inability to produce results. These individuals eventually get weeded out in the process, but it still leaves a negative connotation to the client they were unable to service.

• I believe in staying true to your “worth” in regards to your fees. Too many fitness professionals “sell out” in that they try to please everyone. Figure out what type of clientele gives you the most satisfaction and charge what you’re worth as long as you’re providing exemplary service and value. Create more value by becoming more valuable.

• I believe that just when I’ve given enough, I need to give more. The times that I have given more and provided ten times the value, I’ve positively affected those individuals lives, and they’ve rewarded me in ways that I didn’t expect or ask for. Give more!

• I believe in contributing positively in some way to your local community.

• I believe in practicing what you preach, and as a new friend and colleague of mine, Valerie Waugaman proudly states, “Live It to Give It!” In the fitness industry you must be a product of your product.

• Lastly, I believe that in order to leave a good legacy, you must first transform and develop yourself to your highest potential.

So now I extend the challenge to any fitness professional or any individual reading this to blog or comment with YOUR beliefs. Do you accept? Or do you feel uncomfortable and choose to remain in your comfort zone? What have you got to lose?