Sunday Stuff #004 - I Don’t Know
UM, I DON”T KNOW
No matter your competence, it has its limits.
Is it acceptable (for a personal trainer, for example) to say “I don’t know” when questioned by a client?
WhenI first started coaching (almost 9 years ago), I felt very insecure about not knowing enough. I was afraid of ending up in a situation where someone would ask me a question I couldn’t answer.
Or that i knew something, but it wasn’t going enough. Or that i’d confidently reply only for some expert to sneer and debunk my response with facts and arguments… Well, you know what I mean.
I have been training, educating myself and putting my knowledge into practice for 10 years. Training has become an integral part of my life. While working a deck job might provide me with more income, studying everything related to nurtition and fitness was a hobby, which happened to demand a lot of money and time.
“As is often the case, the hobby isn’t something you get paid for, but something you pay to do.”
I was also counselling people, but I was still afraid to “go big“. So I studied constantly to eliminate any knowledge gaps. But “the more I know, the more I realise I know nothing. Have things changed since then? Nope. I still educate myself every day and incorporate any new learnings that will make coaching even more effective.
But now i’m not ashamed to sat “Idon’t know“.
Moreover, I believe that when such an answer comes from a professional, it’s truly admirable: a person can’t know everything, so its totally fine to admit that you are competent in some areas and not so much in others. This is very liberating and allows us to question doctrines. When you demonstrate your openness to new ideas and readiness to abandon wrong beliefs, people tend to trust you more.
Coaching (either in a gym or online) is extremely important. Trainers are not doctors. They do not diagnose people or treat them. Nor should they. It’s a doctor’s job to deal with something that has already happened or to save a person’s life. But trainers do have to address various physical issues with their clients. The best approach would be to expand their knowledge in interrelated topics and seek professional opinionss while honestly admitting to the limits of their expertise when necessary.
The “Idon’t know” answer sets you free.
But, let’s not diminish the trainers’ role, as there is so much they can do! Diet, training, lifestyle, and improvement of habits are preventative measures. We are capable of literally extending clients’ lives by decades. And i’m not talking about stretching out the years they spend in a feeble state, but rather offering years of active lifestyle. Coaching is an exciting game played on a massive field, where you face zero risks and huge profits if all safety rules are followed strictly. And safety rules can be ensured only by acknowledging your own limitations, giving the honest; “I don’t know” answer wether to your client or yourself.
When a person is brought back to life, they are overwhelmed with grattitude. When they are healthy, it’s taken for granted. And it’s our responsibility to ensure that your client remains healthy, strong, fit and active, which is much more than a simple “no late night meals“ or “manipulations“ with dumbbells. Diet tricks and workouts are only part of the bigger picture.
And such a noble cause is worth dedicating your life to.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
Winston S. Churchill
THREE TIPS
Three ways to achieve your goals in 2025
# 1
REVISIT YOUR 'WHY'.
Reconnecting to your 'why' is very important! We need to know the reason behind our goals. Losing a few kg won’t get you out of bed or away from the desk on a cold winter’s day. Regaining lost confidence, having energy for your family, looking good naked, being healthy to run around with kids or grandkids, being strong in your old age, or giving yourself a chance of not being sick as you age are all going to help you stick to your plan health and wellbeing plan.
# 2
SET IDENTITY BASED GOALS.
Focus on who you want to be rather than what the outcome will be. What time does the person you want to be get out of bed? What do they eat to nourish their body? Do they prioritise exercise? What are their hobbies? What do they do on the weekend? How do they socialise? How do they respond to stress? Do they plan their weekly meals and do the shopping?
Most people set their goals based on an outcome they are chasing but don’t ever look at the identity needed to reach their goals and more importantly, keep them long term!
# 3
GET HELP FROM THE PROFESSIONALS.
Everyone needs help on occasion. Whether it’s a personal trainer, dietitian or psychologist, experts are there to lend a hand, so don’t hesitate to use them.
If your goal is to make lasting changes, then accountability, support, feedback, and encouragement are crucial to your success. This level of support will also remove a huge amount of stress from your day to day life.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
What is holding you back from fully committing to making lasting change? Do you not trust yourself, or do you not trust others?
RECIPE
Teriyaki chicken stir-fry with broccoli
INGREDIENTS
4 chicken thighs
2 Tbsps Soy sauce
2 Tbsps Sesame oil
2½ Tbsps Minced ginger
2 tsps Minced garlic
½ tsp Red pepper flakes
4 cups Broccoli
2 Baby bok choys
¼ cup Canola oil
1 cup Shredded carrot
2 cups Snow peas
3 cups spinach
2 Green onions
DIRECTIONS
Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, then place in a ziplock bag or shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ½ Tbsp water, the sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes (optional) and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add soy sauce mixture to chicken and stir (or shake bag) until chicken is well coated. Place in fridge to marinate for 1 hour.
Cut broccoli into small florets. Trim root end off baby bok choy and separate leaves.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add canola oil until hot. Add chicken and the marinade. Cook, stirring, about 5 minutes or until chicken begins to brown.
Stir in broccoli, carrot, baby bok choy and snow peas. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, or until vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place spinach in the bottom of a serving bowl. Finely slice green onion. Serve chicken stir-fry on top of spinach, garnished with green onion.
