A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work.

In a lot of cases, it results in a moderate amount of progress that leads to a plateau.

What do I mean by “one size fits all?”

I’m talking about group classes, generic plans, or trends (such as a diet craze or style of fitness).

Please don’t get me wrong. Attending group fitness classes is a good thing. Searching for fitness or nutrition programs to better yourself is a smart move. Jumping on a trend in hopes that it helps you feel better is the right decision.

I’m not suggesting you stop doing any of that. What I’m talking about is the next step — what you do after that to truly maximize your potential.

To maximize your potential, it’s important to develop a personalized approach to your training and nutrition. Whether that be by learning how your body works to create your own plan, or working with a coach on a one-on-one level, we all need some level of personalization to fully maximize our potential.

Personalization was an emerging trend in 2019, and will continue to be in the years to come. Given we’re entering a new year, I thought I’d chime in with some thoughts of my own when it comes to personalization…

We’re talking about creating a program and lifestyle that is specific to you. You shouldn’t expect to be able to lift the same amount of weight, or build the same amount of muscle, or lose the same amount of weight as another person. Whether it be a blood relative or one of the heroes you look up to, we’re all genetically different in some way — be it large or small.

We also shouldn’t expect that a class or template will solve our problems. Your needs are different from the person to the left and right of you. Eventually, you need something more.

So it’s unrealistic to expect the program someone else is using is going to maximize your own potential. You may luck out and find a program or plan that works really well, but to truly unlock what you need requires a deeper look into your lifestyle, wants, needs, likes, dislikes, abilities, limitations… the list goes on and on.

Personally, I tried and failed and plateau’d so many times over the years that I actually gave up on trying with my fitness and nutrition at one point. I detailed that journey in one of my first articles upon launching this business. In a nutshell, I took an extreme approach with everything and burned out. I didn’t make the progress I wanted (or thought I deserved), so I figured “I just can’t do it” and quit.

Looking back, that was one of my biggest mistakes but also one that ended up changing my life for the better.

It was a mistake in that I missed out on some of the most advantageous muscle- and strength-building times of my life (my mid-20’s). But it also led to me eventually analyzing things on a deeper level and looking inward in order to create the happy, healthy, and strong person I am today.

I share all of this because it was researching, learning, and developing a personalized approach that led me to make the progress I wanted, which continues today.

You can do this.

You can achieve success in any avenue of your life.

It’s OK to search for help.

If you want to get really good at something, hire a coach. It’s no different than going to school to learn a new skill or advance your career. It’s the same as finding a mentor — actually, it is finding a mentor — who helps guide the journey you’re on.

If you’d invest in something like your business or professional career, why wouldn’t you invest in your health? Your health is your longevity. It’s what truly contributes to your overall happiness and strength.

In 2020, my challenge to you is to invest in your health and seek a personalized approach to your training and nutrition. Take the necessary steps to better yourself and create a life that you want.

You can accomplish this by doing what I did and find reputable sources, research best practices, and start to build your new lifestyle. Or, you can hire a coach to get you started and help guide you to the best practices.

I don’t care if that coach is me, if you’re your own coach, or if you work with someone else.

Develop the best version of yourself in 2020. Take a personalized approach. Invest in yourself and your health.

Let’s accomplish all of our goals, and make new ones in the process. Let’s aim higher and higher.

Have a happy, healthy, and strong new year.

—

CGF