In my 6 years as a personal trainer, there’s one lesson that summarizes my journey up to this point. Like Jon Snow, I know nothing. Anyone that tells you they have everything figured out is full of shit. Unfortunately, they’re either willfully lying to you or so egotistical to the point that they’re beyond reason. This is a slight tangent but avoid these people at all costs.
My breakthrough occurred when I realized that my knowledge and experience are extremely limited. But, here’s the best part: It’s okay, everyone else is in the same boat! When I did this, I was able to do what human minds are designed for: Learning. I approach every single day as a student, willing to learn the lessons I come across in and out of the gym.
The truth is, we’re all doing the best we can with the limited knowledge we have at the time. I look back on my first few years and cringe at the programs I wrote for clients back then. They consisted of machines and what I thought of at the time as “functional movements…”.
Stop fooling yourself. You don’t know everything and it’s okay. My challenge to you is to shut up and listen more. I’ve been trying to do the same and have only gotten better as a result. For those of you that know me, this is hard because I like to talk A LOT! However, if you’re fortunate like I am and have great people in your corner, LISTEN to them more. Respect those above you that have been in the trenches longer. My coaches have invested thousands of dollars in their continuing education and as a result have helped me get tremendous results. The best part is, I’m able to turn around and do the same for my clients, making me a better trainer. I would be an absolute fool not to lean on their knowledge and experience.
Everyone benefits when we listen more, remember that. Value the time and energy those people give you, for those are our most valuable resources. We all stand on the shoulders of titans that helped us get to this point. Don’t let your ego stop you from unleashing your best self. Just like Kuato told Quaid in Total Recall: Open your mind… Open your mind… Open your mind…
Thank you all so much for reading. Be sure to check out our second episode of “Strength with a Purpse” below!
To your lifelong health and success,
-Demarco Crum, CPT
“Never an expert, always a student.”
