I have been frustrated and have struggled with the profession of the training and fitness. I almost called it an industry but, as Vern Gambetta said it, “I would have a Union Card if this was an industry.” I have always tried to be the guy who is quiet, sits back out of the light and just does what I love to do, and try to do it well enough to have the odd person say, “that kid does good work.” When I asked to do presentations, I try not to be too self promoting so that I do not come across as bragging or pompous. And this has been going on for about 4 or 5 years. Now as I mentioned in my post The Tough Decisions and Lessons Learned, the “King” comes into your life when you need him most.
Yesterday was that day. Totally unexpected, I had a gentleman call the gym and wanted to know what I do. So we chatted for a few minutes, and he said he would come down around 11 am. This is when I mentioned that I was one of the quiet guys in the city just trying to do what I do, without stepping on toes… you know, playing politically correct. That is when he said the things I needed to hear. After the conversation I realized this.
It is my obligation to educate those around me with the knowledge I have acquired over my 8 years of training and 11 years of education. It is my obligation for be a vessel to relay the knowledge I have gained from those who I look up to, Andrew, JP, Josh, Dave, Mike etc., as those people I educate will become vessels to share knowledge I impart on them. It is not pompous or bragging if you are truly good at what you do, it is confidence in your abilities and beliefs. It is my obligation to share my skills with the world. I must not worry if I am stepping on toes or pissing people off. They are most likely threatened by the fact I have shaken their belief system or challenged their knowledge. If they are threatened by the quality of my work, then step the hell up, get better or f**k off and let those who know what they are doing, and doing it well stay in this profession. As the old saying goes, “if you cannot run with the big dogs, stay on the f**king porch.” My world yesterday was once again changed. I am good at my job, I have information to share, and that is what I am here to do, what I set out to do by writing this blog. To educate, to give others the tools necessary to accomplish the goals they set out for themselves.
And this goes out to every one of you. If you are truly good at something, and each of you are. It is your obligation to share that knowledge. Be confident and proud of what you do, and what you know. Share that knowledge because it is your obligation. Now you do not have to talk in front of a crowd, or be a teacher. You will impart little bits of education on each and every person you meet, on a daily basis. Live each day with the purpose of educating and enlightening all those around you. Yes, others my question you, resent you, hate you… I would not worry. People like that; I would not piss in their ear if their brain was on fire. I have no time for that. I have a job to do and so do you.
Yours in Health and Performance