Feeling Behind? - Staying on Track for S&C’s
Do you ever feel like you're lagging in your career—maybe you haven't landed that dream S&C role, built your ideal gym, or got that accreditation that you've envisioned?
You're not alone. Most of us feel this way at various points in our careers.
But why is that? This sense of being behind can be quite overwhelming, especially in a profession as dynamic and competitive as S&C.
The Comparison Trap
This feeling often stems from comparing ourselves to others: colleagues, fellow coaches, or the seemingly perfect lives we see on social media. We all have a tendency to look around and measure our success against others'.
Social media, in particular, can create a distorted view of reality, where only the highlights of someone else's life are showcased, making it seem like everyone else is advancing while you're standing still.
The Problem with Comparisons
When you compare yourself to others, it can diminish your own accomplishments. Thoughts like "They have more clients than I do" or "They're way ahead in their career" can creep in. These comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which are detrimental to your personal and professional growth.
But comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples to oranges; everyone is on a different path in their coaching journey. Your journey is unique, with its own set of challenges and triumphs.
The Right Comparison: You vs. You
"Winners compare their achievements with their goals." —Nido Qubein
The key is to recognise that you're on your own unique journey. If you must compare, compare yourself to your past self.
Here's a practical approach:
1. Write down your professional goals: Clearly defining what you want to achieve gives you a target to aim for and a benchmark to measure your progress against.
2. Develop a plan of action to achieve those goals: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. This makes them less daunting and more attainable - basically periodise!
3. In six months, evaluate your progress: Take time to review what you have accomplished. You'll likely find you've made more strides than you initially thought. This can be a great morale booster and provide motivation to keep pushing forward. If not, consider these steps:
- Adjust your daily habits to better align with your goals: Sometimes, it's the small, consistent actions that lead to the most significant progress.
- Reassess your goals to ensure they are realistic and achievable: It’s okay to modify your goals. This isn’t a sign of failure but rather a strategic adjustment to ensure ongoing progress and success.
Next time you catch yourself scrolling through other coaches' accomplishments online, take a moment to reflect on your own progress and focus on building your path forward. Recognise that each step you take, no matter how small, is progress. Celebrate your achievements and use them as stepping stones to reach your ultimate goals.
By focusing on your own journey and measuring your progress against your personal goals, you can maintain a positive and forward-thinking mindset, essential for long-term success. If you have additional tips or strategies, please share them in the comments below!
Until next time,
Michael
