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Nine Mindset Tips For the Fitness Professional
Guest Post from Adam Toohey
The following is a guest post by Adam Toohey. Recently I wrote a post about a few things I've learned along my path of being a fitness entrepreneur… and Adam Toohey wrote a comment in the the comment section I was so impressed with I asked him to do an in-depth guest post on some of the things he talked about in his comment… check out what Adam has to say…
Picture this… It's 7am, you are walking around like a little lost sheep, hoping that at any moment something or someone will throw you a lifeline and drag you out of the now cesspool that you are drowning in. You think to yourself, "What the Bloody Hell am I doing here? I have made a big mistake, why…
Why did I do this?
Stupid, I should have just stayed with what I had, with what I was comfortable with. At least I would have been getting paid a normal salary. At least I don't have to be THERE for 14 hours. At least I didn't have to worry about doing my own marketing, or getting my own business. I didn't pack enough food, AND even though I have these breaks in between, it is not enough time to go home and chill. What if business is slow in the first month? How will I pay my rent? I have my car payment… and what about the bills?
Ahh… welcome to the world (one world) of the Personal Trainer. Yep, that was me around 2002 and I have no doubt that it could have been, or was you too. (BTW I never resorted to Tuna/Diet Coke Protein Shakes….uuggghh) Since then I have been between jobs, played PT on Cruise Ships and ended up right here in Toronto, Canada.
Now we have heard the many stories of us PT's working like dogs, 70 sessions a week, (of which we get paid 50% for if we're lucky cuz we work for a BIG GYM) then be expected to work out and stay in shape all while dealing with the financial strains of living from pay check to pay check (i.e. Broke) and yet we had been told of this magnificent career where you can get paid up to 100 an hour. It is true, you certainly can and the reality is that most of us do not start out like that. Some of us are still getting nowhere near that and yet we have this desire to break out and achieve more, to help more people, to make more money, to live an extraordinary quality of life.
Anyone out there fit into this picture?
If you do and are reading this you know that the man we look to for kick ass Fitness Marketing advice Chris McCombs is living the life many of us seek. Chris has done the hard yards (literally), woken up and put himself on a path to tremendous success in many areas. You notice it is not just about making cash. He has truly helped us all as PT's and Boot camp Instructors become more and for that I am truly grateful.
I know there are many of you out there, like me that are still climbing the ladder with a vision to someday make it to the top. It is certainly not as easy as we would like. Anything really worth doing and achieving though never really is. We have all learned many valuable lessons along our unique paths and it is on this day that I share with you my lessons.
1. STOP… SEE THROUGH IT
Now I won't be taking full credit for this one (it's from the E-Myth and if you haven't read it yet then hurry up and do it) however I remember times when I took this approach and it truly does work. Every one of you at some point will have experienced frustration, anxiety and overwhelm. For whatever reason be it ridiculous amounts of work, lack of progress, lack of cash… whatever. If you find yourself caught up in all of this… Just STOP… whatever it is you are doing and SEE THROUGH IT meaning, see through the overwhelm and frustration. See past all of that rubbish and FOCUS on your VISION. Focus on the bigger picture and notice what it looks like for you. The bigger picture for you may be an RT10 GTS Dodge Viper… or it could be a Boys Weekend in Vegas.
2. READ THE BOOK… NOT JUST THE COVER
It's the saying you must have heard from your mum a thousand times. Don't judge a book by its cover. There's a little issue with starting that line with DON'T but that's a whole other issue (remember when people say don't forget something… and err you usually do) Many of us often judge and I'm here to tell you that people are not their behaviors regardless of a person's experience, background, actions etc. A Real world example is I attend a Seminar… here from a speaker whom I resonate with only to have a fellow attendee tell me "Geeze mate you better stay away from him… he never shuts up and is a little obnoxious") Turns out the guy that never shuts up and is obnoxious really has a heart of gold and has helped me big time with blogging/website etc. There is something to be learned from everyone and you will be surprised at the people that show up in your life that offer incredible value. (If you had of told me in my early PT days I'd be writing for an ex con turned Fitness Marketing Genius I'd of laughed heartily)
3. STAND OR FALL
If you are REALLY passionate about this industry, want to grow and expand yet you continue to go through the motions of everyday PT then you have fallen. You have fallen for anything and chances are you are not REALLY happy with your life or situation. You MUST have something that you Stand For. You must look to break out of the rut and a declaration or mission statement if you like will help get you out. Create your own Vision or you will get sucked into one that is not your own. Here's a classic one – Truth, Justice and the American Way
4. GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY
How did "The Pick Up Artist" come to be? (Looks as though he was The Burger King at one point) He came to be due to the simple fact that he got out of his own way. Depending on the fragility of your mindset you will come across this little phrase every now and then. I Can't!
I like Mickey's response to this… WHAT"S CAN'T? THERE AINT NO CAN'TS, THERE'S NO CAN'TS! We will always come up with a story about why we can't do something. The trick is to change the story into a question… that question being How Can I?
5. TIMEOUTS
Back in my high school days I remember the dreaded TIMEOUT ROOM or ROOM NUMBER 7. The room where the "bad kids" were sent when the teacher decided that enough was enough and proceeded to have them removed from the classroom. Now, I wonder what those kids actually used that time for because most of them never changed. The timeout room seemed to have little effect, BUT Timeouts themselves can have a profound impact on each of our lives.
Taking the timeout to just be is very healing and rewarding. If you live by a beach then set yourself down on the sand listening to the waves crash and staring off into the horizon can do wonders to ease your mind and explode your creativity. Gaze up into the skies at night, into the stars and just wonder. When was the last time you let your mind just wander off? You have done it before as a child, do it again as an adult and see and feel the difference it will make
6. DO OR DO NOT… THERE IS NO TRY
Again I won't take all the credit for this (kudos to my green friend) and it is a very profound statement. If you have ever tried anything you have hopefully at some point realized it is not working. Try you will do when it is convenient and convenience does not and never will create consistency. Instead of trying, Just Do It (again not mine) THEN you will need to use the senses to realize if what you are doing is working or not. If it isn't then do something else. Change your approach because you will have not tried everything. There are many ways to do things and if you are unsure then just ask. We all have enough people we can reach out to for support and advice. Who knows you may just learn something.
7. ONE THING…
The 1 Most Important thing… What is it? It's whatever you decide it is. You can use this in any area of your life be it business, relationships, health etc. It is the process of deciding what 1 Thing YOU can do today that will improve your health or your business or your relationships. Pick one thing and then decide is it the most important and how can I do it today. By the way it's ok if it takes a couple of days to do it so long as you make the choice and get it done.
8. GROWING AND CONTRIBUTING
If you are not growing then you are dying. If you are not contributing in a meaningful way to anyone or anything outside of yourself then you are consumed by the dark side. Seriously though if you are not then a part of you will eventually be uneasy or something just won't be right. It is essential for us to continue to grow and expand our mind. Embark upon new journeys, new adventures and demand more out of ourselves. Anyone who is really stuck in a rut and is doing nothing to grow outside of the comfort zone will not be truly happy. If they say they are that's called denial. I have yet to experience otherwise. Do something TODAY that will help your little zone become a little bit bigger. After you have done that, find some way to contribute value to someone's life other than your own. It may be helping an old lady with her shopping bags, or smiling at everyone you make contact with.
If you like a Blokes (or Shelia's) work PROMOTE IT. If it resonates with you then give them kudos on Twitter or Facebook or post a quality comment on their blog. A REAL KEY in life is to grow and contribute to your relationships. Here's an exercise for you. Draw up a Mind Map and put YOU in the middle of it. Then add all the people that are in your life in little side boxes. Add to that what they do, where they are and how you can best strengthen that relationship and by that I mean with their best interests at heart.
If you do it from a selfish point of view then my good friend Karma will come to bite you on the ass. Our relationships are VITAL to our everyday existence and ultimately your success. It feels good to help someone in a positive and meaningful way. You never know the consequences of doing such a kind act. Truth is that it will ALWAYS come back to you in some way shape or form.
9. GET OFF THE PC
The truth is we can spend WAAAAAAY too much time on this bloody thing and when it comes down to it… YOU as a PT or otherwise are probably dealing with people. YES Social Media is great and YES Info Marketing is a Killer way to make some coin and YES the real people are OUT THERE —→ somewhere out there and not on the pc. Be actively seeking new relationships and networks in your local area and beyond. There's nothing like really helping someone in person to be able to see their expressions and body language and share in the feelings they experience when you deliver an awesome workout or help them achieve a goal they have desired for years. The added benefit is that it will help keep you healthy. Too much time (especially if it is ineffective) on the desk or lap top and you will find yourself succumbing to injuries, tightness, and perhaps even a little weight gain. Not gunna lie it's happened to me. So with all that being said stop reading this bloody post and get your butt out there. ☺
I hope some of this will help you folks in your future endeavors, my best wishes to you all and again thank you to Chris for allowing me to share with you.
Until later,
Adam Toohey
Adam Toohey is Etobicoke Personal Trainer and boot camp instructor, as well as one of the most passionate and cool dudes you'll ever meet. If know anyone looking for personal training in Toronto, send em' to Adam, he'll take awesome care of em'
Let Adam know what you thought about his post and feel free to leave a few tips of your own
And if you're looking to get out of your own way and automating a large part of your fitness business, then check out all the stuff we've added lately to the Auto-Delegation Toolbox
Comments on Nine Mindset Tips For the Fitness Professional
Great post, Adam!
I used tip Number 7 today. I decided that there was ONE blog post I needed to get done that was more important that ANYTHING else I had to do today. (Aside from the technical work of training clients, of course)
And know what? I'm going to take a timeout AND get off the PC, right after I press "submit"
Thanks Chris and Adam!
~ Luke
Adam – This is real heart felt communication right here.
You're an awesome dude and I'm glad that you and I have had the good fortune of connecting over the past 6 or so months.
Keep kicking ass. Keep following your passion. You have some awesome rewards coming your way.
I can't wait to see you at these upcoming, life-changing events.
Great post, Adam!
Donovan "DFitensguy" Owens
Wow, just what I needed to hear. I've been down lately, out of cash, bills are piling up and even thinking of getting a damn job.
I will keep my sights on the BIG price and persist on making my Dream Lifestyle happen. Thanks for the encouragement!
If anyone reading this post can relate and wants to work on a joint venture, please contact me.
WOW! So many of us PT's fall in to this trap. All of us I'm sure received the best education to prepare us for the industry and yet the part of the curriculum that is most vital is completely absent…. "What they don't want to tell you about PT… it's bloody hard!!"
Business takes time and money to begin, correct me if i am wrong but these are two things that people never seem to have for one reason or another. I have been the PT who has been broke. A trainer who lived on next to no food because it was paramount to continue investing in the product i am selling and believe in with all my muscle and bone. To stop training with my awesome trainer gave me a new issue in the 8 steps of selling…. over coming objections. How could i sit there and tell my potential client that they need to invest in this product when i myself am not even capable?
… This my friends, is the motivation i needed!! To have no money and be desperate for it made me work harder. Harder in marketing, harder in generating referals, harder in training.. why? because I had to earn more to invest in my trainer so my clients could invest in me.
Use the negatives of life to generate a positive! Channel all the emotion that comes with anger and frustration in to bettering your business and working towards becoming more successful!
" A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing"
"If you always do, what you've always done you will always have what you've got! Time to make a change!"
My business is gaining momentum all the time, but that comes from action! Actively doing things to improve your business, whether it be networking, marketing, advertising, meet and greets…. JUST DO SOMETHING!! You cannot sit in your loungeroom chair and await a client to walk in and say "hey! Can you train me?" I'll gove u a hint guys… IT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN!! How successful your business is, is a direct reflection of all the decisions you have made prior to where you are now. If it sucks then change it!
Man, was this ever a great post! Fits in well with the words of wisdom that Chris leaves us with.
Bob
http://www.totalcyclingperformance.com
Hey Adam,
Solid post mate. . . (im not sure how many people know what a sheila is hahah)
What your saying fully resonates with me and should do for a lot of us, each of those points that you shared can truly move someone in the right direction. It reminds me of one of ym favourite quotes.
"Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
Everything starts with your thoughts and follows on from there, if your thoughts,words, actions and habits ooze success (whatever your defintion of success is), than these processes will predetermine the next one in line and that is why you are sitting where you are right now!
So think Think big, speak truly, treat others how you would your mother and stand for something and then you will get to where you want.
Good to see a good Aussie post on here buddy..
Thanks Adam, Great post!
Liked this post… the yoda Quote is one of my favorites . I know I have psent to much time trying to make everything perfect rather than just doing it.
John
Personal Training Southend
Great post guys. Seriously I agree with Toohey about spending too much time on the comp. We have let our social skill erode. Its great to wake up to these posts and I just find them to be a great motivation. It also helps that I have used a lot of the info Ive gathered from them to build my business. Great job keep it up.
Hi mate
Congrats on the post.
Timely reminder especially about Timeouts. You know how passionate I am about aiming high and trying to get there asap but sometimes you gotta take the foot off the pedal and step aside.
I've had the best part of one today for my own sanity and ready to go again.
Nice to know others like yourself relate.
Laters fartpants
Mike
Manchester Personal Trainer
Hey Adam
Thanks for your post. It actually kind of reminded me why I step out of my comfort zone when I was slogging away as a PT in a health club back in Singapore. I felt aimless then and thought to myself how long am I going to do this. I was dependent on my job and can't think of anything else I could do.
Finally, I took the dive and came to Perth and open my world to many opportunities. Because I walked away from my comfort zone, I have to learn how to run boot camp business. Like you said, there's no trying. Got to do it. Even though my boot camp business is not exactly the way I envisioned to be, I know it's just matter of time and trying different approach to make it happen.
Lastly, I want to thank Chris McCombs for his valuable free business tips on his blog and his Market Annihilator program that has a profound impact on my boot camp.
TC
Number 8 and 9 are my favorites!!
oh yea…wayyyy tooo much on the PC…guessed the inventor who created PC was to be blamed! ha ha ha…..
thanks!
Thanks for that, Adam. Anyone who looks to Yoda for advice is on the right track in my book!
Adam, fantastic stuff
so much of this stuff boils down to mind set
I have an interesting Blog coming out on this soon, maybe rather than post it on my own Blog I sent it to Chris to see if he digs it
Damn dudes, I LOVE this Blog!
–Z–
Adam killer post man. I love the way we have both grown as business men and online since the ryan lee boot camp.
you are a great example of pushing forward despite all.
I can't wait to you bring the pain when you boot camps start.
I try to be generous but after this post I realize I can be giving a LOT more like you my man.
Be easy and we'll chat soon
PEACE,
Nii
"The NYC Central Park Boot Camp Enforcer"
Hey guys thanks for the words and it feels good to know you are getting some value from this
@Luke … Dude Way to take some action good on you
@Donovan … Mate can't wait to link up and Thank you
@David.. Mate keep your chin up and really focus on Tip 1 when it feels like your tires are just spinning.. I have lived through those difficulties and it's bloody tough trick is to never lose sight… even if you are unsure of what the target is… you just know you are destined for something great and you focus
@Travis … Solid words mate thank you.. let's link up soon
@Amanda WOW… Your passions really come through… keep up the action girl and the grass will be VERY green
@TC Keep up the great work mate… all about the action
@Pommie err… Mike Timeouts are awesome… I love being able to take advantage of some xtended at the beach timeouts when I can (which is not too often in Toronto)
@Bob, perry, ben and Georgette… Thanks and yes PC time FLIES by…
Reminds me when I got my first ever Super Nintendo.. I played Streetfighter 2 for SIXTEEN hours straight… felt like 2.. (Kind of like a TR seminar)
Cheers guys and keep Killing It
Adam Toohey
@Coach Z .. Thanks mate. Lookin forward to that blog you speak of and Wednesday 27th @ Underground Strength Gym
@Nii.. Haha.. Here comes the pain. That given me an idea for a promo video. Oh and as for that 3 letter word you threw in there.. TIP 6.. check it out again.
Great post , gives a alot good advice. This will help me stay focused. Thanks
Well done Adam…#1 really resonates with me. On those days when you just want to throw your hands up, seeing through it is great advice!
Yeah Adam, I enjoyed your writing and mindsets here – It's funny about # 9 isn't it, but you're RIGHT on track with this – The PC is our friend, but we can't let it take over! Looking forward to more of your writing, bud -
Hey brau,
OUTSTANDING POST! You did not "waste a word"
We have ALL been there brother…NO DOUBT!
"RIPP IT UP"!
Thanks & Peace-
Matt
Great post! Couldnt't be more timely for me! Thank you for putting it down in such a great checklist!
I'll be opening the doors to my brand new semi-private training studio in 3 weeks and I've had a feeling of being overwhelmed creeping up on me from time to time. This post will help me to see the big picture when times get tough. Thanks again!
Chris Meredith
PS. Im sure I'll see you at FBS09 and I look forward to it!
nice post champ. Definitely some good take home messages out of this. Best one for me is pick something and do it each day. I've been my most productive since I cut down on clutter and narrowed my focus.
Great post Adam!
You nailed it Jatz lol
Steve
Hard to disagree with any of that. Another great post on this blog, Thanks Adam for hooking it up.
All the best,
Ryan Dobbs
http://EdmondBootcamp.com
http://DobbsPersonalTraining.com
awesome post adam. very excited to connect with you and chris in jersey next month.
in my opinion the hardest thing to overcome is enlarging the comfort zone. we are reserved to do certain tasks and act in certain ways because its not somethig we normally do. but we all know that when we actually do something, its never really as bad as we thought.
thanks for the post.
Adam,
Those are some inspirational thoughts! I can especially relate to your Tip 5. TIMEOUTS
Many people in our society today, (including myself) feel that it is hard to stop and recognize the beauty that is around them. – I completely agree, timeouts are key –
Thank you for this thought. I think I will take a time out right now
Cheers,
Kelly
Hey guys,
I'm thrilled you all are taking some great value out of this and putting it into Action… which is absolutely critical.
@Tony Look forward to connecting with you too mate. FT is gunna be killer. Fit Biz is before that though and I'm bringin the Jatz to the West Coast…
@Steve… Get ready for some Aussie 101 Knackers..
@Kaiser TSpot on mate. Its crazy the amount of hours we spend on here sometimes. Provided the time is being used effectively. A real key… love your work btw
@Daniel Cheers Cobber… How's the homeland?
Cheers guys
Adam
Great post!
I did number 5 yesterday – a client was late, but that kind of 'only 5 mins' that ends up being 30 mins so rather than finding something productive to do, I lay in the sun on the mat and chilled – was awesome! Reminded me I certainly need to do that more…
Now, time for number 9….
Caroline
http://www.kettlebellebody.com
http://www.outdoorfitforlife.com
Great post Adam
I think any business owner, self employed individual or someone wanting to be either cannot read posts like this enough. I know taht I can't
I am taking your #9 advice and getting off my PC
Thanks for the post and this site
Doug Fioranelli
Hey Adam, great post! Not in the industry but each of the 9 tips is so transferable to anyones life, no matter what stage. Great words of wisdom to inch forward and become a bit better day by day no matter what the "one thing" (tip 7) … ya gotta have one!
@Caroline… Good on you for takin the time to chill
I'll be scheduling a timeout by the beach this week..
@Doug and Dave… Spot on fellas and thanks for the kind words. Getting off the PC is always good especially in the summertime coming up
Adam,
Solid posting. Sound advice! To Chris: Thank you for providing Adam an excellent forum to point to the wall and knock it the F*CK out of the park! As you can see he is quite gifted with his prose and never disappoints.
To all: I have the esteemed privilege of living and working in the same city as this man (Toronto, Canada or as they say in the WWE Toronto, Ontario, Canada). I consider myself lucky on 2 fronts; we frequently meet and trade ideas with one another, in this capacity Adam has been an undying source of creative input and a sound counsel upon which to resonate ideas, for this I am grateful.
I am lucky that we are separated by a North / South divide (me being South, Adam being North) cause I have no doubt that in a very short time, after working (networking) with Chris, Rocco, Ryan, Sincere, Donovan and few of the other boys like Bedros he is not only going to give me a run for my money but he will be handing me my ass in a brown baggy! In which case I will still be learning a lot from him!
Adam, my kudos to you, your ability to generate, maintain, and grow critical relationships and your unceasing ability to be true to yourself and your vision of what fitness success is to you!
Keep it up! Proud to call you a mate! (Pri-mate … ooh, ooh!)
Words of wisdom indeed mate! It's so easy to stay in that comfy rut. One often needs this kind of advice to help power up that old hyper-drive and make jump into light speed!
Thanks for this post, Adam. I know you do your best to live by those rules. Keep doing your thing man!
-Yavor
Holy Crap!
Where does one begin here?
First, what an honor to be associated with THE Adam Toohey.
He 'get's it'.
He get's what it will take him to get to the next level and beyond and he IS moving forward with his goals.
Two words in the above line should stick out: 'and beyond'
Why?
There is always more out there peeps. You can always go above and beyond your wildest dreams…..Trust me..it is VERY true. Ask Chris
There is more than just one on one training, there is more than just a video on how to lose fat, there is more than an ebook of the best core exercises for a great six pack, there is more, more more…
Go beyond your expectations..
Set high goals for yourself. NOTHING is too high..
I totally agree with all of Adam's 9-Points here. Especially #4, #6 & #7.
In short….(AS IF!
)…
You MUST give yourself the opportunity to be told NO at all times.
Everyday, all day. If you have an idea then go for it. Make that call, send that email or simply walk right up to someone and fill them in on your idea. You have a 50/50 shot at moving forward. Those are pretty good odds.
A 50% chance to be told NO…
OR
A 50% chance to be told YES.
Write the following down and promise yourself you WILL do them:
"Give myself the opportunity to be told NO"
"See It – Be It"
Thanks Adam for such a wonderful post. It is very apparent that you will be successful and I am very honored to be associated with such an awesome dude.
Success or Failure…You Choose
Now..me? Off to #9!
Fantastic post.. Im guilty of number nine I spend way to much time at the computer.