IT’S NOT ABOUT THE NUMBERS!The health clubs are always racking their brains trying to figure out why they have such a hard time keeping members coming back. Most owners would argue that cash flow and profit margins are
most important reason to retain membership. Yes, but what drives customers to these health clubs? These owners have lost touch with what matters most, customer! Give customer more than they expect and they will continue to do business with you. Selling a product or service is about people more so than numbers on a spreadsheet.
SINK HOLES VS. POTHOLES
I want you to think of this principle in your workout. You know it is very easy to get burdened down with all details of an exercise and diet program. While guidelines are necessary, at times focusing too much on numbers can and will set you up for failure. You may start to think all this counting calories, reps, and keeping track of heart rates are too much to accomplish. Unexpectedly, you start to lose sight of your goals and it becomes more of a job than a hobby or stress release. You may even quit exercising. This can be an immediate sinkhole for you.
IT’S BEING SOLD OUT! The only way you will follow through on an exercise program is to be sold out. The military calls them “lifers.” These are people who are committed to something for long haul. Are you a lifer? Could you be a lifer? A lifer has a sold out mindset. He or she realizes that there will be potholes to go through; there may even be a sinkhole up ahead, but they get through it or they go around situation. It may take support from others, but it gets done. You may not be a lifer today, but you could be if you don’t make changes now!
DECISION MAKING
I was named Mr. Michigan in statewide bodybuilding contest in 1988. When I competed in bodybuilding contests, it took me a good month to decide if I really wanted to go for that particular goal. The decision process was well thought out. I realized days ahead would bring doubt, frustration, pain, and at times, humility.
I also realized it could bring many emotional setbacks. Was I willing to pay price? Was I willing to change my behavior and lifestyle for hope of a future benefit? All those thoughts had to be debated before decision to move forward was made. However, when I made decision to go forward, a switch was turned on that could not be turned off. I could not turn back. There is a sense of relief that comes with making a decision. Perhaps because once that decision is made, all pressure is off. My philosophy is: “GOALS CHANGE, DECISIONS DON’T”
