What’s your why?
“I’ll tell you why you don’t have your $10 million. Right now, you are a paycheck player. You play with your head. Not your heart.” - Jerry Maguire
Why matters. Why you play. Why you work.
Why you want to get fit.
Jerry Maguire is a movie about a man who had to defend his why (the mission statement) and how doing that almost broke him, but eventually freed him.
If only life were like the movies…
My why: The most powerful experience of my life is getting fit. It is my mission to share that experience with others.
There’s a million paths to your goals. Pull out your cell phone and within seconds you can access great information on how to do almost anything. If discovering how you’re going to accomplish something (lose weight/get strong) were all it took we’d have a lot more wealthy, healthy people on YouTube telling us how they did it (and how we can to).
How isn’t the problem. Why is the problem.
Why is the problem
If your goal isn’t attached to something bigger you’re in danger of being a paycheck player. You’re coming to work, you’re going through the motions, and as Jerry Maguire teaches us, “That does not inspire people.” Least of all you.
The great brands/companies/leaders answered a calling. It was more than money, or fame. It set them apart. That’s my simplified synopsis of Simon Sinek’s book (a very good read). He’s on to something.
Find Your Why
When a client is locked in on why they’re coming to exercise I’m easily the best trainer in the world. Weight is lost, gains are made, times are crushed. But a clear articulation of the why is rare, and it’s hard to motivate adults.
I can’t possibly write your why for you. I can share my why, Train’s why, and challenge you to sit with your thoughts long enough to clearly articulate why you need to lose weight, be stronger, make more, work less, love more…
My why: I was a typical teenager: lost. I wasn’t clear on who I was, what I wanted, and I didn't feel very good about myself. I joined the Cross Country team and fell in love harder than I have for anything save my wife and child. Cross Country gave me an identity, goals, friends and self worth. The more I worked at it the more I loved it. Fortunately for me this feeling and identity has deepened as I’ve aged into not just running but yoga, weight training, and Z Health.
When it came time to choose a path I asked myself what my most powerful experience was. If I could share that I’d always have a living.
The most powerful experience of my life is getting fit. It is my mission to share that experience with others.
I’ve been fortunate to carve out a great career in service of that why. There have been ups and downs: I led my gym in sales and sessions; won Best of Boston and developed my training skill set to the point I can say without question I am the top 1% of my field.
I peaked. As I searched for ways to grow I realized the corporate gym model didn’t value trainers (several articles will confirm). Working in that setting no longer served my why. I resigned. I worked there 11 years. No one rendered more sales or sessions over that time span. When I resigned my belongings were left at the front desk in a clear trash bag.
I knew at some point I would have my own gym. My gym would be different.
Train’s mission is to create gyms where Client and Trainer can maximize their potential.
Our business model empowers Trainers by helping them run their own business. Empowered Trainers are better Trainers. Better Trainers change lives.
We’re coming full circle here.
I’m obligated to inform you that we’re far from perfect, and we certainly have a LOT to learn, but our hearts are in the right place and we think we’re on the right path. Our why has brought us amazing Trainers to work with, and amazing clients to work for.
It may not make us our $10 million; but we’re not paycheck players. We're playing from the heart.