Facts Plus Sensitivy Create Impact

Read it. Learn it. Live it.

This is the progression that I see most people go through when starting Crossfit:

1. Initially incredulous. Frequently heard comment, “So should I do abs after?”

2. Full Taste of the Kool-Aid. Frequently heard comment, ” Wow, I haven’t fit in a 34 inch waist in 10 years”

3. Full convert, often to the point of annoyance. Frequently heard comment “I don’t know why you would do anything else”

4.  Return to Normalcy. Frequently heard comment. ” Yea, we do lots of different things like weightlifting and running. I like it, but a lot of people don’t and that’s fine too”

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Facts alone don’t create impact.

I wanted to talk about a mistake that I often make, and I see a lot of people around me make as well. This mistake happens in talking about both Crossfit methodology and our nutritional prescription.

Being a coach or Crossfitter is not only about getting the truth right, there is also an act of persuasion.

Too often, I catch myself essentially saying “This (Crossfit/Paleo) is the truth, take it or leave it, if you don’t agree F*ck off”.

If you are reading this, I assume you believe in the merits of constantly varied, functional movements, performed at high intensity (Crossfit) along with Paleo/Zone eating. Most people don’t agree with you. You can’t just put “the truth”(as we see it) out there, and assume it is going to speak for itself. It doesn’t. You have to both present the truth, and awknowledge the questions and concerns of who you are talking to.

Example:

Bad

Person A: I’ve really been trying to watch what I eat. Heart disease runs in my family. I’ve been trying to keep my cholesterol down.

You: What What Whaaat??! Don’t you know cholesterol is total BS??Eggs and bacon every morning for me. Have you ever even read Good Calories Bad Calories? High insulin is the devil!!!!

Person A then proceeds to dig their heels in and argue as an attempt to save face. Nothing is accomplished.

Good

Person A: I’ve been running three miles every morning. I feel so much better now that I’m active again, and I’ve lost 4 pounds. I’m going to run a marathon.

Person B: Wow, congratulations. I know I used to run a lot and benefited a lot from it. It is really hard to get motivated again if you haven’t been active in awhile. I found something that I actually enjoy more than running though. I don’t feel quite so run down, and I feel like it makes me stronger for real life than just jogging…etc

Person A: Oh really? What is that?

Person B: (Now you can do the full pitch)

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Start slowly. Listen. Don’t just spit the party line. The best way to win an argument is to not get into it in the first place.