I mentioned in an earlier post that some people act like they are immune to the law of “cause and effect” when it comes to their health. Sometimes we as coaches wonder if people really just don’t “get it” when it comes to being healthy.
We see it as very and straight -forward, very logical. It’s as simple as A + B = C, so how come so many do understand that there are consequences for the choices we make every day.
All I can say is that really don’t get it and it’s our job as coaches to help them connect the dots concerning their health and fitness. This can be one of the most frustrating aspects of coaching.
Let me qualify that by saying we can only help those willing to be helped, those who aren’t trapped in voluntary ignorance or extreme ego.
I have found it is better to very blunt with people about these things. Suggestions or hints are pretty much a waste of time.
There’s an old saying, “Never try to teach a pig to sing, it wastes your time and it annoys the pig.”
While I don’t get deeply involved in the personal lives of the people I train, I do need to be a good listener overall to the things they are struggling with.
All we can do is help them connect the dots in their own thinking about health and fitness, set a good example for them and hope for the best. Some will listen and some won’t.
The Cave 