As I’ve shared numerous times before, I was NOT a great coach when I started.
Anxious, insecure and lacking any semblance of confidence, I’m not sure how I didn’t quit in my first year.
What got me through initially, though, was the fact that I’m incredibly empathetic and willing to listen to people.
I genuinely wanted to help, and if I couldn’t do that with my programming and coaching, at least I could be a caring friend and listen to their problems!
This went on for at least my first 2-3 years in the game, and then I started to figure something out.
If I kept showing up to work (even when I didn’t want to)…
If I kept writing programs, even if they took forever and felt like they were all over the place…
And if I kept trying different coaching cues, even if the first 5-10 fell totally flat…
Eventually I started to get better!
It definitely wasn’t an overnight success, but over time, I was just a little bit smoother with my assessment process.
It felt like my programs were more clear and concise (and most importantly, getting real results).
And my coaching and cuing really started to come together.
The best analogy I can use was it would be like getting better and better glasses, so I knew exactly what I was seeing and how to fix it.
So there’s a couple big takeaways for today:
#1 If you’re a new coach, you can’t skip the newbie stage.
If you’re new to the game, sorry kid, but there’s no way around it.
It’s kind of like adolescence – it sucks and its awkward, but everyone has to go through it. 😉
What you can do, however, is commit to the process of getting reps every day.
Make it a goal that every single day you will coach someone. (Yes, even if they’re not your “target demographic” or “ideal client.”)
Or if it’s the weekend, commit 30 minutes to an hour to learn and get better.
It could be starting an online course.
It could be watching a masterclass.
Or it could just be reading a great book.
Here’s my only rule: Doom scrolling fitness people on social media DOES NOT count!
Look you can’t skip this step, but you can speed it up if you put in the work.
Deal with it the best you can and keep moving!
#2 – If you’re a vet who is trying to get better, you might feel this too!
Around 2012 – when I had already been in the game 12 years – I felt really confident writing strength programs.
So if you want to build a bigger squat, bench, or deadlift, I could definitely help.
But if you wanted to get faster?
Or improve your conditioning?
Sorry pal – but I’m not going to be much help!
But therein lies the rub – I wanted to coach high level athletes, and speed and conditioning are critical aspects of their development.
So I started by finding the best of the best to learn from – in this case Joel Jamieson for conditioning, and Lee Taft for speed.
I consumed everything I could.
Now remember – I was already a successful coach, and felt confident working a room or writing a program.
But now it was like I was a newbie all over again!
Programs were taking forever to write.
My cuing was clumsy and not always clear.
But as I sit here 13 years after that, I can confidently tell you I may not be a world-class speed or conditioning coach, but I’m a helluva lot better than I was when I started!
So my message here is simple:
If you’re a veteran or established coach who wants to get better, you have to put your ego aside and remember that if something is truly important to learn, it’s worth taking the time and energy to do it right.
My best advice here is to seek out a trusted mentor or expert who can fast track your progress.
Talking about money isn’t always kosher in our space, but money can help you buy speed.
You can’t skip the steps or the reps, but as much as possible it will help you “fast track” your progress.
Okay my friends, that does it for today.
Just a little motivation on this Wednesday morning that I hope will motivate and inspire YOU to become a better coach.
Because don’t ever forget – the world needs more people like YOU in it!
All the best,
MR
P.S. – If you’re serious about leveling up, here are 3 ways I can help:
#1 – New to training? Coaching? Or how I do things? Check out one of my starter products.
#2 – Been around for a while and ready to take your skills to the next level? Check out my Complete Coach Certification.
#3 – Married to the game and want to become an elite program designer? My Program Design Mentorship be opening again in April. Stay tuned!