Beware The Guru
Guru; Sanskrit term for a “mentor” or “guide”, “expert” or “master” of certain knowledge.
Welcome to another day in internet land!
As we move into the new year, many of us are looking to “spring clean” our life and set some new goals in the hope that this will be “our year”.
Our modern, fast paced lifestyles can often lead to poor choices when it comes to health and nutrition and by the end of the year we can be left feeling the need for a reset. This is a pretty common story across the board and it’s no wonder that the January intake at gyms and fitness clubs goes through the roof. It’s also little wonder that a large number of new members let their membership lapse in the first couple of months and eventually cancel.
And the reason;
Often when people have made the decision to get healthy, lose weight or begin a new routine they start off with the right intentions but lack the tools to stay motivated or the discipline to stick to the plan. Setting off at 100 miles per hour and then crashing and burning. It can be hard to go it alone. This is when we look for the help of an “expert”.
“Not all experts are created equal!”
(Point of the post incoming) the wonderful world of the internet and social media allows us to search for anything at any time. Over the past few years there has been a shift in the way we work which has led to more people choosing to work from home and the pursuit of the “side hustle” is on the rise. Whilst (in my opinion)all of this is great and a natural progression, it has (again in my opinion) meant that there are people out there who are not as genuine or authentic as their claim. On a positive note, it also means that there are lots of fantastic mentors, coaches, instructors and leaders out there too.
“So how do you tell the difference?”
It’s a tough one right? It seems to have become our default setting to want a “magic pill” solution to any problem we have and therefore we often seek the “Guru” in that field for the answers.
Here’s the point!
What is a guru? A “Guru” in any field would most likely reject the title and remain humble in their practice without the need for a label that serves to validate their expertise. They seek to impart knowledge and wisdom without any secrecy or mystery. In reality, while there are lots of skilled and fantastic people out there, there are also those who would have you believe that they are a Guru.
The flawless coach.
In the social media fantasy world there is a pressure to present ourselves through filters in order to show a perfect and flawless life that is in no way realistic. More so for coaches, personal trainers and fitness instructors. The desire to look ultra professional in the eyes of potential clients can sometimes give the impression of a perfect, flawless person, monk like in their practices with a perfect routine and a perfect diet,-A “Guru”. This is understandable for someone who wants to appear to be an authority on their subject and a role model. However (unless AI is your coach) we are all human beings.
I can only draw on my personal journey to becoming a coach for examples. I certainly haven’t always been a coach and my fitness journey has been a rocky one. I am also a product of the great pandemic mind shift that I mentioned above. Most of my career up to now has been in the heating industry and while I have had success in that field and I thoroughly enjoy it, it is not my passion. Messing around in the great outdoors and running long distances is. So for that reason I spent the last few years retraining and gaining various qualifications in order to spend more time in nature myself while at the same time helping others too. My coaching business is new and I’m excited to build on it in the coming years. I look forward to meeting likeminded people who share my enthusiasm and I am lucky to be surrounded by some fantastic peers. My focus for 2024 is to take on some larger challenges and cover greater distances in my running. In doing this I can hopefully relay those experiences through my coaching. Ultimately, while I am an experienced runner and a qualified running coach, I still have lots to learn.
This is surely true of everyone regardless of their chosen field.
None of us have it all figured out and the person who claims otherwise is delusional and to be treated with caution.
I guess my objective here is to show the importance of being realistic when searching for a coach. If I, personally seek coaching or mentorship from a human being, it should come as no surprise to learn that they are just that. Time constraints, family commitments and “life” in general can throw up challenges and obstacles for the athlete and coach alike. In the coach, authenticity and passion for their subject will shine through their words and practices. I want to work with a coach who can understand the challenges I face because they have experienced them firsthand. Perfection is an unrealistic and ultimately unreachable goal and to present your life as if it is perfect is disingenuous and foolish.
In conclusion, as we start a new year with exciting plans of greatness, I would suggest thinking twice before seeking the “magic Pill” and look for the human element of a new coach or mentor.
Beware the “Guru”!
James.
Outdoor Performance Coaching.
