When to Feel Hard on Yourself and When Not To

I received this (edited) email recently from a client in my boot camp class.

"...just to let you know that I felt terrible because on Friday I didn't do all of the routine and this made me feel so sad...I'm glad that you couldn't see my tears of frustration at the end of the class because I would be so embarrassed.

...I'm so sorry I was just trying to do my best but simple as I couldn't...I'll see you on Monday trying again my best."
(Please note too, that English is not this client's first language.)

So this client was upset and thought that I might be upset that she didn't do all of the exercises during our session.

I have no problem when someone gives it her all and isn't able to do everything.  Each session is meant to challenge and push her beyond her comfort zone.  I admire clients like this one who shows up day after day and makes no excuses.  She comes to class and gives it her all...that is what a coach hopes for.

There is no reason to feel hard on yourself when you are consistently showing up to class and working hard in your training sessions.

The time to be hard on yourself is when you miss class or skip your training session because of laziness. This upsets me.  A client comes to me to lose weight, but then she doesn't show up.  This becomes a habit that leads to nowhere.  The client doesn't make progress and never loses the weight.

  • Be disciplined.
  • Be committed.
  • Give each session your 100%.

Losing fat is simple, but never easy.