Much has been written about getting past "plateaus." The concept assumes that at one time, you were actually moving in a positive direction and that you are now... stuck. It is frustrating beyond belief if you are putting in a real effort. These sticking points exist for our clients in fitness… and they exist for us in business.
Health and fitness comes naturally to some and is very alien to others. If you are a fitness pro, then you likely DON'T have this problem. Your fears are probably related to building your business and putting yourself on the line financially. If it all seems scary and unnerving to you to even make an attempt to grow, then I would suggest that you have passed your "threshold" for risk. Once you pass your threshold, you literally shut down and close yourself off even to the possibility that you can do something. Then the excuses and rationalizing start!
Sound familiar?
I was a professional athlete and have remained in good health and have a high fitness level since retiring from football. I am active with several sports. I can do a lot! BUT if you approached me with the idea of completing a marathon, I would be overwhelmed and would shut down. Based on my lifestyle, previous injuries and my expectations, it is simply beyond my threshold. I wouldn't do it.
If you approached me with the idea of doing a run/bike mini duathlon... I would create a plan and start moving! It is well within my physical and mental capacity to accept training and competing in a mini duathlon. I would rock it! And even try to win my age and weight category! It would be challenging enough, but, not outside of my threshold.
What could YOU accomplish if your mind and body were aligned to accept a similar challenge for your business and you started to move in the direction of a dream/goal? Could you form a new joint venture? Establish a new profit center? Expand and add additional training staff?
If you have ever started a project with enthusiasm and energy only to fizzle out before long, I would suggest that you were probably pushing beyond your mind's comfort level or "threshold." When this happens, you will find yourself working on all kinds of meaningless tasks that keep you busy in order to not to have to deal with your original project.
When you are trying to grow, expand or even streamline things in your business, choose goals that are exciting, challenging and meaningful to you. They should not be overwhelming, intimidating or scary. They should also not be too easy! Feeling challenged is important. Just like my history in sports would help me to accept the goal of completing a duathlon, consider triumphs that you have had in business as proof that you CAN achieve things and move forward. Building your arsenal based on your experience is a great way to build confidence. EVERYTHING that you have ever achieved was once a dream or a goal before it became a reality.
Think about it. There is overwhelm and frustration. And then there is CHALLENGE and SUCCESS.
Ernie Schramayr is an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and the owner of All Canadian Fitness, a private training studio in Hamilton, Ontario (www.allcanadianfitness.com).
