When I workout in the morning, I usually listen to a leadership podcast or any coaching audios I have. And yes, sometimes I do put music on! The same topic comes up often in the leadership podcasts and even my coaching audios – lead with the why. As coaches we can get bogged down in the details and methods of accomplishing something. This can drain the positive energy that motivates us to keep going, to keep creating, and to keep reinvesting. It’s a great reminder when I hear “lead with the why”. Let me explain what it means.
Regardless of what you are doing, always remember why you are doing it. This is the driving force behind your actions. The details and methods will change as you learn and new information is available. How you do something isn’t as important as why you do it. Focusing on why you are doing something reignites that motivation and passion to keep you pushing forward, to feel lighter through the process, and to bring you to the other side – your goal.
My 30 Minutes of Everything program doesn’t get easier as clients go through it. They get stronger. It’s cliche, but it’s true. Everyone is challenged in new ways that create change within their body’s physiology and mental state. At times, it may be frustrating because you don’t like the workout we just did, you just can’t seem to get your body to do what we want it to, or you’re just plain tired. When this happens, I remind clients to remember why they are coming to class. I can’t promise that it will turn their frown upside down immediately, but I can promise that the next time a client grumbles – they’ll remind themselves of why they’re doing it. It’ll become a habit and the why will drive you!
My program has changed tremendously since we started in 2011. I’ve changed the exercises, the props, the timing, and progressions. I’ve replaced outdated exercises with more effective and functional ones. My how has changed, but my why has stayed the same. Why? Because I want to help people be the best version of themselves as possible. That will never change.
LEAD WITH THE WHY