On a course I went to a few months ago, there was a conversation about “imposter syndrome”.
And how a number of the other fitness professionals there felt that sometimes.
Because they were aware of the FitPros who were stronger, leaner and / or more knowledgeable than them.
I’ve talked before about how the feelings that we might get that we could choose to describe as “imposter syndrome” aren’t necessarily a bad thing.
They show that we’re trying new things and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone.
Discomfort can be a sign of growth.
But I came to realisation during that conversation that feeling like an impostor is often down to the version of what’s happening that we choose to use.
If we have a particularly concrete definition at all that is.
If we get clear on that version of ourselves that we are being and that we are becoming………
The more evidence we can find of that being true.
So for example, I know that there are many fitness professionals out there with better abs and heavier lifts than me.
But that’s fine.
I don’t profess to be a fitness magazine cover model or strength athlete.
And I don’t profess to help people become either of those things.
It’s someone’s looking for six-pack abs and the heaviest possible deadlift or clean and jerk then I’m not their guy.
There are other people nearby that can help them better with that.
But, whilst I’m not claiming to be in the best shape going, I do think I’m in pretty good shape for a mid-forties man with four children, a super busy life and who’s riddled with injuries.
And, whilst I’m not claiming to be the best at some areas of health and fitness, I do think I’m very good at helping the average person who’s not got on with gyms and diets before to make significant lasting changes (it’s www.myrise.co.uk/apply if that sounds like you).
In the top six at the National Fitness Awards this year (for the third time), top ranking in the area or country on many websites, hundreds of five star reviews and hundreds of verified transformations suggest this.
The other thing this particularly important to me is being a dad.
And I think I’m excellent at that.
Four great kids who are doing well, with whom I have great relationships and for whom I’m always there and provide great opportunities indicate that.
So, next time you feel “imposter syndrome”, remember two things.
Firstly, those feelings aren’t necessarily bad.
They can be seen as the feelings of growth, change and challenge.
But, also get clear and what it is you’re actually being or trying to become.
If you’re not “pretending” to be something else, you don’t need to worry about it.
If the thing that you are being or trying to become shows evidence of being or becoming true………
Then you’re all good.
Much love,
Jon ‘I forgot 13 consecutive months as the UK’s #1 in club PT on Club Training when I PTd in a gym’ Hall
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RISE in Macclesfield was established in 2012 and specialise in Group Personal Training weight loss programmes for those that don’t like the gym and find diets boring and restrictive!
