A 30 DAY PLEDGE

by Coach Rut on January 1, 2009 in Uncategorized

I had a lengthy discussion with a client this week. This particular client is smart, wealthy, engaging, entertaining…attractive in every way. There is this one thing however. She’s overweight and has been this way for far too long.

It’s a frustrating thing for me. I get irritated when I take on clients and they don’t make improvements. It’s a guilt thing of getting their money with little to show. Then there is the pissed off part of me that has them waltzing around with my brand on their back talking about my great works. No doubt their friends snicker about the virtues of my work.

At the conclusion of the conversation we decided that we would take the next 30 days and work on one lifestyle behavior. No need to open the whole bag of crap. Let’s just focus on one nasty lifestyle practice.

In her particular case, we are going to give up the alcohol at night routine. While initially a self confessed 2 glasses of wine per night, I learned this week that “several” times per week the 2 glasses drift upwards to consuming one bottle. Shazam! This obviously leads to other dietary indiscretions.

Now I’m not a counselor for AA and I realize that this could be a more complex issue than what I’m trained to handle, but I’m going to test the waters before I call in the crew from Intervention.

As I thought about it, I like the singular focus on fixing an issue at a time. There is really no way to complicate it. “Lilly” is not going to be drinking for the next 30 days-Cold turkey!

No tip toeing around it and no nice guy. Curse words will be used if necessary. Who knows she might even like herself more after the 30 day pledge.

7 Responses to “A 30 DAY PLEDGE”

igrobertson January 1, 2009 at 4:28 pm #

I have to say this is a familiar scenario. Being a trainer, I too have dealt with the naive or dishonest client that innocently shrugs off certain important points or is too embarrassed or proud to provide all the details. Also, I fancy myself as ball buster too so I can get pretty annoyed when the results don’t come quickly enough. I’ve found that once they understand and respect what needs to be done to become a healthy athlete, then the details tend to be given more readily. Also, I just recommended Get Out Of Your Own Way to one of my best clients who is way too self deprecating. Apparently, it’s blown her mind so thanks for that. Anyway, I hope Rut clan has a happy new year.Ian Robertson

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mikeburgener January 1, 2009 at 4:41 pm #

the lady when she gives up the alcohol will lose 15-30 lbs! this is what happened to me after my total knee replacement. forced to give up alcohol for 3 months had me loosing 15 lbs with no workouts other than rehab. when my knee got better and i started working out hard and went off pain meds i started drinking again…..you guessed it….15 lbs gained.

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Coach Rut January 2, 2009 at 11:41 am #

While this particular client needs to overcome her issue with alcohol, A 30 DAY PLEDGE whittles down what seems like insurmountable issues into a singular focus. This could be anything from inconsistent exercise to a lack of bedtime and sleep. If someone can just keep that one issue in front of them maybe they will be able to knock of improvement once per month or 12 new healthier habits in a year.

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igrobertson January 2, 2009 at 1:59 pm #

That’s a sharp idea. I might have to suggest this approach to some folks. Thanks Coach. By the way, how’s the new Buffalo Bar?

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Coach Rut January 2, 2009 at 2:58 pm #

Had one group use the buffalo bar with favorable reviews.

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steve January 5, 2009 at 10:02 pm #

I’m in too — sign me up for the Lilly plan. Tell her she has to beat some guy in Utah now, as well as herself! We can all be healthier in 30 days.

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Coach Rut January 6, 2009 at 12:07 am #

Steve-Looking forward to your report around the first week of February.

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A 30 DAY PLEDGE

7 Responses to “A 30 DAY PLEDGE”

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