As fitness professionals, our journey is not just about sculpting bodies; it's about shaping lives, including our own. To truly excel and find fulfillment in this dynamic career, understanding the core of who we naturally are is indispensable. Because we are passionate about the fitness industry and supporting professionals within it to have lasting, rewarding careers, we want to share some insights in this article about the science of self-mastery, exploring behavior change strategies for internal growth and development, utilizing self-assessment tools to craft personalized blueprints for professional success and fulfillment.

There are numerous self assessment tools available commercially (i.e, strengthsfinder, DISC, Meyers Briggs, Predictive Index,, etc). For our purposes today, we will use the DISC/MOTIVATORS to illustrate the process, in part because The DISC assessment, available for free at Tony Robbins' website.

The Essence of DISC and Motivators

The DISC model is a behavioral assessment tool based on the theory developed by psychologist William Marston in the 1920s. It focuses on four distinct personality traits: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). Each letter represents a primary trait that influences how we act, react, and interact with others. By understanding your DISC profile, you gain insights into your natural predispositions, how you communicate, what motivates you, and how you perceive the world around you.

Complementing DISC, motivators are the driving forces behind our actions. They answer the "why" behind our "what." From the desire for achievement and power to the need for security or knowledge, understanding your unique set of motivators can significantly enhance your career in fitness.

Why It Matters

In the realm of fitness, where success is measured not just by results but by the ability to inspire and lead, knowing how you are naturally wired to respond to your environment and why can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

● Enhanced Communication: Your communication style can either build or break your relationship with clients. With increased clarity on your natural tendencies you can tailor your communication to match or complement your clients' styles, fostering a more effective and motivational environment.

● Leadership and Management: As a fitness professional, you're not just a coach; you're a leader. Recognizing your leadership style and what motivates you can help you lead with empathy, strength, and effectiveness, whether you're managing a team, running a gym, or leading a class.

● Client Retention and Satisfaction: Clients come to you with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and motivations. By better understanding the nuances of human behavior, you can create personalized, impactful fitness journeys for them, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.

● Strategic Hiring: When expanding your team, the fit goes beyond qualifications. Understanding potential hires' DISC profiles can help you predict how they'll mesh with your team, your clientele, and the culture you've cultivated, ensuring a harmonious and productive work environment.

● Self-Understanding and Growth: At the heart of it all is you. By understanding your natural wiring, you can play to your strengths, work on your areas of improvement, and pursue opportunities that align with your motivators, leading to a more fulfilling and successful career.

A Better You, A Better Leader

Armed with the knowledge of how and why you behave and respond, you're not just improving as a fitness professional; you're evolving as a communicator, a leader, and a manager. This understanding enables you to navigate the complexities of human behavior, both in yourself and others. Imagine being able to resolve conflicts with ease, motivate your team to achieve their best, and connect with clients on a deeper level, all because you took the time to understand the fundamental aspects of personality and motivation. That's the power of knowing your natural wiring.

Knowing Yourself: A Path to Professional Success

Understanding yourself goes beyond improving communication and leadership skills; it's about aligning your career in fitness with your intrinsic motivations and strengths.

Early Career Exploration:

As you embark on your career in fitness, take the time to assess your natural inclinations and preferences. Are you more inclined towards leading group classes and inspiring large audiences (Influence), or do you thrive in one-on-one interactions, focusing on personalized training plans (Steadiness)? Understanding your DISC profile can provide valuable insights into which roles suit you best in this exploratory phase.

Mid-Career Reflection:

After gaining experience and honing your skills, it's essential to reassess your career trajectory. Reflect on what aspects of personal training bring you the most fulfillment and satisfaction. Are you driven by the challenge of pushing boundaries and achieving new heights (Dominance), or do you find joy in fostering long-term relationships and providing consistent support (Conscientiousness)? Knowing your motivators can help you discern whether your current role aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations.

Career Evolution:

As you progress in your career, you may find yourself drawn to new opportunities and challenges. Whether it's transitioning into management, specializing in a niche area of fitness, or branching out as an entrepreneur, understanding your natural wiring can guide your decision-making process. By aligning your career choices with your innate strengths and motivators, you can pursue paths that offer sustained fulfillment and growth.

Lifelong Fulfillment:

Ultimately, the key to a fulfilling career in fitness lies in staying true to yourself and continuously evolving along the way. By regularly reassessing your DISC profile and motivators, you can adapt to changing circumstances and pursue avenues that resonate with your authentic self. Remember, what may have been a suitable role for you in the past may no longer align with your evolving priorities and aspirations. Embrace self-discovery as an ongoing journey, and let it guide you towards a lifetime of fulfillment in the dynamic world of fitness.

Conclusion

In a career as personally and professionally rewarding as fitness, the journey to excellence is continuous. Understanding your DISC profile and motivators is a crucial step in that journey. It not only enhances your ability to communicate, lead, and inspire but also opens the door to a deeper understanding of the people you serve and work with. So, take the time to discover your natural wiring. It's an investment in yourself that pays dividends in every facet of your professional life, making you a more effective, empathetic, and empowered fitness professional. Remember, in the world of fitness, knowledge is power, but understanding is empowerment. By embracing the insights from DISC and motivators, you're not just building stronger bodies; you're building a stronger, more fulfilling career.

You can learn more about using behavior science to enhance your fitness practice at www.healthybehaviorinstitute.com.

Janine Stichter & Scott Schutte