In our latest e-mail, we discussed the challenges of certain clients--the creative-type, right-brained people. They're very likable, but working with them can be frustrating, especially when you don't know where they're coming from!1.) Emotional Roller Coaster -- You may have sold them on your service because of this. Suddenly, their heart isn't in it! How do you get them back on track?
SOLUTION?Remind them why they hired you! Fitness isn't always easy and it's easy to lose sight of the goal. Paint the picture of their goal again. They need you to do this--often. Whatever you do, don't patronize them. Speak to them intelligently, respectfully but boldly. Be their personal
motivator--even in things unrelated to fitness. They'll want you back each and every time.
Also, creative-types are very visual. Have them place a reminder of their goal in some place prominent--like a picture that inspires them. If this isn't enough, give them homework if you have too: have them make a vision board or collage addressing their fitness goals and how it meshes with their other life goals. Fitness isn't a separate component to people's lives. It's a part of their everyday. You know that, but it's hard for some people to see that. Especially if it's a new thing.
2.) Schedule Rebels -- Many right-brained thinkers hate keeping a schedule. It's repressive for them. They like change and the ability to keep things open--so they can change their mind at the last minute. Knowing when to make appointments--and actually keeping them--is difficult. This can wreak havoc to your own schedule and to the prescribed regimen that has your reputation at stake!
SOLUTION?In some cases, placing boundaries for the client is essential. Put into place a policy for clients who may abuse your tendency towards flexibility. You don't have to be harsh about it, but be firm. Eventually, they're respect it or quit. If they really can't handle one-on-one appointments recommend that they try joining large group classes--so that they're lack of commitment won't harm you! See the solution for #1 if they're having trouble making fitness a real-life priority!
3.) Unrealistic Expecters -- Right brained thinkers often expect marvelous results in a less-than-normal time period. In fact, this is one of their biggest downfalls when it comes to their personal life--they often don't have a good grasp at how much time a task can take and have difficulty pacing themselves in life. They either (1) overwhelm and give-up, or (2) work hard and long only to burn out. How can you help them make realistic goals in realistic time frames?
SOLUTION?You are the professional here. You know what's realistic and what's not. However, you don't want to kill that determined spark the client has. Ask the client questions. How much time do they really have without compromising other important aspects of their life? Help them realize that (again) fitness is a lifestyle and shouldn't cram out other priorities.
Also, give them real life examples--examples of people who outdo the norm and who are the norm. Work them when their motivation is high but place boundaries. Many times, you will have to pace them. Teach them to celebrate the smallest of goals within their larger goal.
4.) Pleasure-Seekers -- Right-brained thinkers have a soft-spot for anything that gives them pleasure. Unrestrained right-brainers will have a hard time "watching" what they eat and paying attention to the energy-in / energy-out theory. Changing their habits and attitudes will be a real challenge.
SOLUTION?Rewards and accountability are crucial for right-brained clients. But rewards don't have to be expensive or crazy creative. It could simply be letting the client choose what they get to do during select sessions. Simply put, acknowledging and celebrating client success will encourage them to continue making changes.
As for accountability, don't be a micro-manager of their diet and time, but provide a checklist-like check-up. If they want to change, they will change with their help, but you can't force them to change. If you're too harsh, right-brainers will rebel for spite--even if it's at their own expense.
Be patient and understand that you'll feel like a recording. Give examples of why nutrition and consistent exercise is the key to their goal. It may take a while, but eventually they'll discover the real rewards of healthy eating and regular exercise.
5.) Little Kid Syndrome -- There are those rebellious right-brain thinkers that have a hard time with instruction and doing what they're told to do. How do you get them to respond to your instruction?
SOLUTION?Sometimes being a personal trainer feels more like being a psychologist. My biggest recommendation for becoming a personal trainer has nothing to do with fitness or nutrition. It's knowing, understanding and learning how to successfully deal with people.
Even though a client may act out like spoiled child, treat them as an adult. Listen to what they're complaining about and verbally, sincerely empathize. Don't try to solve the problem right away. In fact, let them get away with rebelling a time or two and let them choose the course of one session.
But next session, explain why you choose certain routines, the science behind them. Treat them as a professional themselves--without showing off or using big words to make them feel small. Let them decide to make you their fitness coach again. They do need you, but they need to realize that they need you on their own.
6.) Blocked by Boredom -- The author of one of my resources cannot recommend the best time management techniques, because she changes hers so often. Right-brainers lose interest the minute something is not exciting, fun or new. Can you use this to benefit their fitness and nutrition program?
SOLUTION?Just as time management advice goes, go with what works! And then when it doesn't satisfy--you see signs of boredom or resistance--change it up.
You may not need to change much. You may just do one small thing--like taking their cardio outside. Let them find their inner kid again and feel something new. It may not go with your regular fitness prescription, but as long as it keeps them interested in fitness, it works!
Are you working with right-brained clients? If so, how do you deal with them? Do you have any suggestions for rewards and accountability that doesn't stifle?
Also, is it easy for you to deal with creative-tyupe--maybe you're right-brained too? Or do you have a hard time relating? Let us know what you think. We'd love to hear your feedback!Resources & Recommended Reading:
Organizing for the Creative Person - Dorothy Lehmkuhl, Dolores Cotter Lamping, C.S.W.
Time Management for Unmanageable People - Ann McGee-Cooper with Duane Trammell
Time Management for the Creative Person - Lee Silber
Clever - Rob Goffee, Gareth Jones
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