My Hips Don't Lie

Last year I paid for a year's gym membership and actually crossed the threshold less than a handful of times. Three, to be exact.

What gets in the way of me going? So, so many things, one of which is feeling intimidated by the variety and complexity of the equipment. Plus a very real concern not to repeat past mistakes of injuring myself because of my enthusiasm, impatience, or hubris.?

Determined that my newest effort would be different, I answered a universal coaching question. What resources or support would be helpful for the strength and conditioning I desire? For me, it's a personal trainer.?In my story, he's also a (body) leadership coach, coaching me to identify and develop the potential within my body.?

"Definition of a Leader: A leader is anyone who sees potential in people and processes, and has the courage to develop that potential." - Brené Brown

From that lens, John and I have a lot in common. We're different in so many ways but we share knowledge and curiosity. The trust we've built allows us to challenge one another's limiting beliefs.?

Cut to a leadership lesson from the hip abductor machine.?As I’ve recently learned, the hip abductor machine is great for strengthening your hips and thighs, improving overall fitness and balance. To use it, you sit down and your legs are in line with the machine's pivot point. ?You place your knees against the padded levers and slowly push outward, against the resistance, and then bring your thighs back together.?

I’m really feeling this in my right leg. I guess I’m weaker on that side. What additional exercises should I do on that leg?” Me, using limited data impatiently jumping to solution.?

John, pausing, gathering data, “Is your right leg weaker? Or is it fatigued because it's doing more than it's share of the work in the exercise?”

Switching the machine to isolate one leg at a time, he had me move the same weight using ONLY my right leg. Easy, peasy. But, when he isolated my left leg, I could barely budge it.?

The discomfort on my right side is a signal. The weakness in my left leg (and tightness in my left hip) is the source. ?

It is so easy to misunderstand signals we receive from things we lead (organizations, teams, families, even our own bodies). As someone with a bias for action (ready, shoot, aim), it is a growing practice for me to pause and gather more information BEFORE reacting.?The questions I'm asking myself this month are:?

• What discomfort or change am I?noticing??
• Is the discomfort (or change) a signal or a source?
• How would I know one from the other?

A 26-year-old, history-loving, soccer player did something for me that I couldn’t do for myself. He got curious. Gathered more data. His objectivity, training, skills, and increased perspective identified a weak point not in isolation but as a component of a larger system.??

Call it personal training or coaching. The overlap in definition is personalized guidance and support in honing skills, navigating complex challenges, and maximizing potential. What are your sources of guidance or support???

Message me if you want John’s contact info. To “workout” with me in person, there are a few spaces left for December’s Dare to Lead? workshop. Or, spend a week playing in Nevis on our women-only Reinvent & Replenish Retreat.