I know, I know...I should try and be a little more politically correct. I shouldn't be so brash. I might offend someone...
That's just not me, though, especially when it comes to the fitness business, where EVERY day there is more to add to the list of ridiculous ideas about how to keep you motivated. Most of them crafted by those with little or no experience in the field. Soldiers like me, grinding away in the trenches of your goals and what it takes to achieve them.
My book is coming out very soon. In fact, you can order an advance copy right right here. In it, I spend a great deal of time on this subject, and talk extensively about what I've seen over the years, and about what it truly takes to stick with your program and get results. That's why when I get the kind of email I received this morning, I get a little fired up…
Email I received:
"Dear John,
I came across your web site earlier today and was wondering if you could provide some feedback on our new software and idea. It's a tool designed to help gym members stay on track with their goals.
The way it works is you submit say $30 into an account with us, and as you make progress, you make the money back over time. If you don't reach the goal, that money can be used toward personal trainers at the gym."
Dude, seriously? As I so often used to say when I was younger and could still feel most of the California blood running through my veins. This is a stupid idea.
Here's why…
In all my years of doing this work, one vital axiom holds true:
You're either ready to do the work of committing to yourself and your goals or your not. Your readiness moves from the general sense - "Are you ready to start?" and then moves on to the more specific actions necessary to attack the work of achieving your goals.
Your readiness to change will then span a continuum from totally ready, to not ready at all for each aspect of the work. For example, you might be ready to hit your exercise program hard 5 days per week, but you might not be nearly as willing to give up your fish-fries on Friday nights.
When people are ready, they take action. Hopefully, they're able to find a qualified coach who has the right tools, and is a good fit for their personality, and for what they are trying to accomplish. Or, if they decide not to hire a coach (something I really don't recommend) to at least help guide them, hopefully they are able to locate and digest the information and resources that will help them achieve their goals.
One thing is for sure. The majority of people going to gyms and trying to get results are not getting them. Not because they don't have access to coaches, tools, and support. Because they don't take action and follow-through.
This follow-through comes from within. Not from some silly little tools that takes your money.
Want to encourage people with money? Tell them you're taking away their health insurance benefits unless they get to work.
Even then, you still wouldn't get a majority to do the work, because it takes commitment, intention, and true and lasting willingness to nurture yourself. Until that nurturing comes from within, all the money in the world won't save you…
