Mar 6, 2015

Failure is a word that many look at in such a negative light, yet without it we would never grow. We would never know how strong we are, how deep we can dig, how untapped our potential until we are pushed to that limit. Yes, it is uncomfortable, a feeling of helplessness, restlessness and wanting to take that clock for those last few seconds and go backwards. Backwards to go forward. Do you see what I am getting at?

As an Athlete we always want to win, win, win by all means, or at any cost. But even when we win we sometines lose. We train for hours, eat on a time line, rest and recover to put our bodies on the line just for a few seconds of glory. When that doesn’t happen then what? We realize that we can always do more, give more ,even if it’s just one more step. We visualize winning so much, catching that pass, hitting that jumper, that PR on your back squat, blocking that goal, or running that 4.3. Yet when that doesn’t happen, how we visualize those next steps is what matters most. It’s not always the end result but the journey that teaches us the most.

From a Fitness Professional standpoint I know what it’s like to wake up at 4am to be at the gym for a 5 am client after staying up until 1 to design programs, study and write articles, and then, to in turn have that client not show up. Have I failed at not being clear on the goals, wants, needs and expectations between myself and my client?

I have learned that although the goal may be the same, or similar for each person, the delivery method or communication style may vary with each individual.

My primary focus has always been to help clients achieve their goals and I take pride in knowing I am equipped with the knowledge and experience to make that happen. There are however the few cases where those goals just aren’t met. When that was the case it affected me on a personal level. It made me vulnerable and filled with self doubt. I’ve been in this field for almost eleven years and it took me years to realize that I can’t please everyone and that it all comes down to when that client is really ready. Failure taught me to have patience, to be more understanding, to find new methods of communicating, to truly understandml someone’s mindset and to dig deeper.

I’ve been in a place where I felt like I was on top of the world. Things were going great. Clients were consistent, which means money was consistent. Life was good. I also know what it’s like to have it all wiped away, like it never even happened. I’ve had to start from scratch. I’ve been on the brink of eviction, been threatened to have my
car repossessed, relationships strained, friendships lost. Failure has taught me to look at myself and realize through it all I am a Winner . Do not fear the challenge but embrace it.