Because everyone is ultimately a one

Lately I have begun my own personal journey on truly determining what my brand is, what I represent, how I am portrayed currently, and how I want to set myself up to be viewed by potential clients in the future.  When you take the time to sit down and put into words all of the work you do and the passion you have, it takes time and thoughtfulness to get the point across.  

In a recent blog post, I determined my top values that I prioritize.  From there, I reflected on if my goals honour those values to ensure I was on the path to achieve happiness and success in my life and business.  Although not a specific word I used, integrity is something that I try to practice every day.  I chose genuineness from the list of words provided from the previous post, and although they aren’t synonyms, I feel that they can also take on similar meanings for me. 

I have always been taught to treat others the way I want to be treated.  Give people respect, be honest.  I always try to reverse every situation to determine how I might want to be treated to anticipate my best response.  I am currently reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and one of the many lessons I have learned thus far is to treat others with the same set of principles.  People will begin to trust your process when they can grow to know what to expect and see that you are honest and consistent with your methods.  

Personally, I feel that I can relate this to my own practices as a fitness instructor.  I try to teach every class as though everyone in the room is new that day: explaining everything in detail, going over protocols, what to expect.  For me, setting the stage fresh every class ensures I treat everyone equally, making them feel as comfortable as possible.  With fitness in particular, the first impression can make or break one’s experience and decision on whether or not to return to your class again.

Sometimes we have a tough client, or maybe employee, testing our integrity and consistent methodology.  Anyone – whether you are a fitness coach, a teacher, or anyone who interacts with others on a daily basis for your career – I feel can relate to this.  The biggest take away from reading this particular section of the book was “how you treat the one reveals how you regard the ninety-nine, because everyone is ultimately a one.”  Regardless of your position or career, we all experience something different with each situation and person we encounter.  

For me, the takeaway message was to remind myself that whether it is someone’s first day, they come to all of my weekly classes, or they are just stubborn to deal with, I still need to treat them with the integrity I practice with everyone else.  I pride myself on consistency and welcoming all levels of experiences in my classes and treat everyone the same.  The same should go for each and every one of you.  As I begin to better define my brand, I am realizing that my genuineness and integrity is something that I hope will set me apart from my competition.  Reflect on a tough or different situation you have had to deal with and review on the experience.  If presented with that situation again, would you react the same way and would it be consistent with your actions and values with someone else? If you answered yes, keep up the good work! If not, that is my challenge for you this week: take an extra moment to think about your values in every interaction you have. You will be surprised how small changes can make a huge difference in how you react next time and how others will come to remember and respect you.

Be fierce.  Be strong.  Be vibrant.

Rachel

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