Unleashing Untapped Potential: The Power of Fun in Challenging Yourself

Day 2/366 days of publishing articles in 2024.

I looked at the date as I was programming my client's workout and realized his birthday was the day before, a milestone - 60 years old. I thought to myself, "Let me make this epic." He’s always down for trying new things so I thought he’d appreciate the extra thought. He hadn't been in for over a week because of the Christmas holiday and travel. As I started mapping out his workout and sharing my plans with a colleague, I couldn't help but get excited. "He's going to do a total body workout, and I'm thinking 60 reps of every exercise, only doing one set and making them drop sets," I explained. "Sweet," my colleague replied, appreciating my creative approach.

I have a habit of doing these silly things that clients love - special workouts for Birthdays, Christmas, even St. Patrick's Day. I once created a green-themed workout where all the equipment we used was green. And for the last workout before Christmas, I designed a "12 Days of Core" routine. I even tailor the music to each client, thanks to our boutique wellness studio with personalized suites. I remember one client during her "12 Days of Core" workout, I played Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and she was completely immersed in the experience. It's these little touches that keep me booked with a waiting list.

I think my attention to detail stems from my previous experience in fine dining. In that industry, you're constantly asking yourself, "How can I make this better? How can I make this more enjoyable? How can I make this more fun?" It's ingrained in my DNA now. This transferable skill has been priceless. Going above and beyond is what makes people feel good, and I apply this philosophy not just in my work but also in my own life.

I set the tone by making the first song “Birthday” by the Beatles. “They say it’s your Birthday. We’re gonna have a good time. I’m glad it’s your Birthday. Happy Birthday to you.” It was the perfect kickoff song for the occasion.

As my client huffed and puffed, dropping a few f-bombs (which isn't unusual), what struck me was his determination. He kept saying out loud, "I can do this." And I kept reinforcing his belief, saying, "Yes, you can. You can do this, and the majority of the population cannot." It's a testament to all his hard work and his commitment to showing up for himself. At the end of the grueling workout, he was proud of himself, and I was proud of him too. He even mentioned calling his brother to share what he had just accomplished.

I had mapped out a challenging workout, one that was going to push him to his limits. But deep down, I knew that afterward, there would be a part of him that would say, "Fuck yeah. I did that." It's in those moments of triumph that we realize the strength we possess and the incredible things we're capable of.

"We have an incredible amount of untapped potential as humans, and I firmly believe that when we make our challenges more fun and interesting, it becomes easier to push ourselves beyond our limits and tap into uncharted territories of our capabilities. By infusing enjoyment and creativity into our pursuits, we unlock a deeper level of engagement and fulfillment.

Would you agree?

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