This will sound harsh, and perhaps it is. There is a mindset one must develop in order to transform his or her physique. When confronted with the daily, weekly, and monthly expectations in order to achieve results most individuals start planning for contingencies, well in advance of laying the foundation of a SMART plan.
Why would someone do this?
The answer may have a myriad of reasons, but in the final analysis, it’s nothing short of excuses. Let me elaborate . . .
The prospective client comes you with a goal. The most prevalent one is to lose weight. After a brief discussion on how much time he or she will invest to achieve the goal, an initial assessment to discover biomechanics proficiency, and their support system, a plan is formulated.
The objective, what you will do as a trainer, and what is expected of him or her is clearly laid out. It’s at that moment when you ask can they commit to the plan, the hesitation comes into play. As you go over the plan again in great detail, their reluctance to begin increases.
Why?
Surely, the plan is well thought out. Why are they hesitating? They sought you out, a fitness professional, to help him or her achieve their weight loss goals.
“Cheryl, is something the matter?”
“No,” she stuttered. “Not really.”
“Do you understand all facets of the plan?”
“Yes.”
“OK, let’s set a date for your first workout.”
Cheryl stares intently at the calendar. The silence as I wait for her to give me a date becomes deafening.
She finally blurts out, “where is it?”
“What?”
“The plan for contingencies?”
“There aren’t any.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why would you need one?”
“You know, unforeseen circumstances.”
“You mean excuses.”
“So, you don’t plan for contingencies?”
“No, I make adjustments as the situation dictates.”
“What’s the difference?”
“If a SMART plan was devised. If it was articulated well. If the client understood, the expectations needed to achieve the plan. If they committed to it.
“The only reason I can gather why a contingency plan would be needed, if the individual already made up his or her mind that failure was imminent.”
“But things happen.”
“Cheryl,” I said firmly. “No contingency plans!”
“Why not”, she cried.
“Failure to accomplish your fitness goal is not an option, the moment you hired me.”
B.M.Booth (NASM-CPT)
Strength & Vigour 