Addressing the Right-Brained Client, part 1: Challenges

Note: Although this is not a scientific piece, it a refresher on some different traits that you'll find with different clients. The better you understand your clients, the better equipped you are to serve them and help them reach their goals.

Addressing the Right-Brained Client, part 1: Challenges

Do you have a client that can't seem to keep to a scheduled workout program? Maybe he or she changes her appointments around regularly, cancels spontaneously or arrives late consistently, maybe even forgetting something in their gym bag each week--socks, shoes, hair bands, their workout papers!

If you can relate, you may have yourself a right-brained client. They may seem undisciplined and scatter-brained, but this doesn't mean you can call it a hopeless relationship...

What is right-brained thinking?

Well, everyone uses both hemispheres of their brain, but some naturally lean toward using one side more than the other. Those tending to use the left hemisphere of their brain are noticeably analytical. They "feel" last, using logic and rationale to make choices first. They are probably very structured and organized.

But right-brained thinkers? They feel first--analyze last. They're the learn-by-experience model. Many right-brained thinkers can be recognized by some general stereotyping: emotional, passionate, intuitive, fun-loving, creative. Yes, their weaknesses may come off as undisciplined, unorganized and scatter-brained, but if dealt with properly, their weakness can become their strength--especially in their fitness or healthy eating goals!

Let's take a look at some of the stereotypical challenges in dealing with a right-brained client as a personal trainer or wellness coach:

1.) Emotional Roller Coaster -- You may have sold them on your service because of this. But emotions change quickly in everyone. Suddenly, their heart isn't in it! How do you get them back on track?

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!

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?

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.

5.) Little Kid Syndrome -- There are those rebellious right-brainer 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?

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?

Not all right-brained thinkers have every single one of these qualities. This is just a broad overview of the struggles of the mind they might have... And remember, as troublesome as it may seem--especially if you're not a right-brained person, turning them on to your practice and a lifetime of healthy living will be more effective than a t.v. ad! Passion is their thing.

Come back for part 2 as we discuss possible solutions for the challenges. We can help them turn-on to fitness for a lifetime affair.


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