I've set some New Year's resolutions for myself. These are broad, but resolutions nonetheless.

1. No alcohol. This is a long term goal. I'm ready to be excellent, and I find that although I don't drink that much, when I do drink, it slows me down. I'm not in the mood to be slowed down at the present.

2. Train hard. I'm excited. I'm going to be training doing what I program at CrossFit Survival 4-5 days/week. This means I get to do a Linear Progression 3 days a week and focus on metabolic conditioning 1-2 days a week. I can't wait to lift heavy and frequently. Additionally, I think it's important for me as a coach to do the same WODs I have my clients do.

3. Be a better coach. Coaching is hard work. I have strengths and weaknesses like anyone. One shortcoming I can see I've had is a tendency to "pat people on the head and say ok" when they fail--especially when it comes to people's excuses on why they "can't" lose weight. No more. I see bull shit for what it is....bull shit. Everyone can lose weight. No one is incapable. It's one thing if the client refuses, but I don't have to buy into their reasons for failure. I see now that people fail b/c they give up. No, really they FORGET. They forget why they are doing what they are doing. In a moment of weakness, it is easy to revert to what is habitual rather than what is new.

I, and they, need to remember this quote:

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

There is a time and place for compassion, but I can no longer go into agreement or "feel sorry" for a client if they tell me they "can't" lose weight, give up sugar, quit drinking, give up pasta, blah blah blah, because of this or that reason, childhood drama, etc.

They are trying to convince me that they are INCAPABLE.

I KNOW they are not.

It is my job to firmly (with a smile) remind them of this and continue to CONVINCE THEM that they can do it and ignore their protestations otherwise.

Better watch out! I'm getting tougher.