“Clock in – let’s go to work!” ~ Bobby Grant

I ran cross country and track in high school.  I was active duty Marine Corps for 5 years, 2 months, and 4 days (who’s counting?).  In the ten years I’ve been out, I’ve gone through spurts of working out.  Nothing has prepared me for this.

One of my personal development goals for 2015 is to work out with a personal trainer 2 times a week.  I’ve never done this before.  I’ve been active my entire life.  I know how to work out.  However, I want to get in the best shape of my life.  I want to be able to out-play my 3 kids.  I want to become the best version of myself and maximize my effectiveness.  I want to be healthy for as long as possible.

I love when my trainer says the quote above.  It motivates me.  It reminds me that the breath I’m trying to catch can be caught later.  I’m there to work.  After just a couple workouts, I regret that I haven’t worked with a trainer sooner.

You may be thinking, “I don’t need a trainer/coach.”  Consider this.  The elite in any industry have coaches.  Obviously, all elite athletes have coaches.  Did you know that most of the CEO’s for fortune 500 companies have coaches?  The best of the best rely on coaches.  They relentlessly pursue personal development.  It is the mediocre and average who think they don’t need it.

I believe every person should have a coach for the following 8 reasons.

8 Reasons You Should Have a Coach

1. Coaches provide accountability – We could stop with this reason and it would be enough.  Accountability drives personal development, and we should all be in the process of growing. A coach understands what you have committed to and holds you to it.  They require you to answer for your results – good or bad.
2. Great coaches give encouragement according to the need of the moment – If you have a bible, look up Ephesians 4:29.  The phrase “need of the moment” is huge. When I’m taking too much time to catch my breath in between sets, Bobby gives me the “Clock in – let’s go to work” line.  It is what I need in that moment.  He also checks in on me during the day offering encouragement.  Sometimes I need a pat on the back. Sometimes I need a boot up the rear-end.  A good coach knows the difference and adjusts.
3. Coaches uncover blind spots – For months now, I’ve been working out on an elliptical – 45-60 min at a time.  I am good to go on that machine.  But last week, I worked out with big stinkin ropes.  I discovered I have muscle groups that are weak.  A great coach will be able to look at your business or your skill set and uncover blind spots you didn’t know were there.
4. Coaches are an independent set of eye balls – Coaches are not in the weeds with you every day.  They have the advantage of distance.  This allows them to objectively analyze what is going on.  This benefit is huge as it can give you clarity of purpose when you otherwise would have none.
5. Coaches have expertise in areas I’m weak – whether I realize it or not – Similar to being able to see your blind spots, coaches should have expertise you don’t have.  They should challenge your thinking.  They should force you out of your comfort zone which leads to growth.
6. Coaches push you – Sometimes you need a push.  I have coaching clients who don’t realize how good they can be.  It is my job to push them to realize their potential.
7. Coaches save you time – Every day I workout with Bobby, I get more accomplished in 25 minutes than I would in an hour on my own.  The reason is he thinks for me.  I am reaping the benefit of his expertise which frees me up to get more done in less time. Further, this means I have more time to focus on the things that only I can do!
8. Coaches help you sharpen your ax – Have you ever heard the phrase, “Work on your business instead of just in your business?”  Coaches force you to pause and evaluate. They force you to think strategically – not just tactically.  They force you to sharpen your ax making you more effective in everything else you do.

I’m sure there are more reasons to hire a coach, but these are my eight.  Success leaves clues. So here is the real question you should be asking yourself right now.  Are you going to do what the elite do and get a coach?  Or are you going to join the ranks of the average and go it alone?

I would like to ask a favor.  I believe many people need to hear this message.  I know the readers of this blog care about personal development and becoming the best versions of themselves.  Would you consider emailing this post to someone you think needs to hear this message?  I would be grateful, and so will they.

As always, I’d love to hear your thought in the comments below.