What’s Your “Why?”
Whenever I take on new clients, I ask them why they're hiring a trainer or nutrition coach.
Usually, people look at me funny when I ask that, like "Duh, I want to: get in shape, lose weight, eat better, etc."
But I've worked with a lot of clients over the years, and I know it's rarely that simple.
Why are you hiring a trainer or coach?
But also — why is that goal, to get in shape or lose weight or look better or eat healthier, important to you?
And why now?
Why haven't you done it before? And if you have, why didn't it work?
It's important to dig deep because everyone has different motivations, and they're often much more significant than the surface level answer.
Many people who come in with very specific and rigid expectations about a number on a scale or a size on a clothing tag end up disappointed, because how our bodies look is never completely within our control.
When fitness and nutrition is ONLY about doing what we "should" be doing, like eating vegetables or working out a certain amount of times a week or shrinking to a certain size that we've been taught is "good," it's a grind. It's not fun. It's frustrating. And that's why people struggle and stop and start all over again and dread every part of it.
When fitness and nutrition are part of your life because:
you enjoy different classes or sports or activities
it's how you socialize and spend time with friends
eating well and moving make you feel good on the inside
you want to be prepared for the things you enjoy in life, like play with your kids, go to amusement parks, travel, or play sports
you're in better physical and mental health when you're taking care of your body
you'll be more likely to actually commit and less likely to be miserable about it.
So this week, whether you're getting back into a routine after vacation or just struggling with another Monday, think about your why.
What really matters, what are your priorities, and why?
Need help figuring it out? Email me at coachjustineh@gmail.com and let’s sort it out together!
