When you are a hammer, every problem looks like a nail

- When you are a consultant, every problem can be solved by fixing how the  business works

- When you are an Air Force officer, every problem is solved with more air power

- When you are a Crossfitter, the answer to every clients’ needs is more Crossfit

- When you are a nutritionist, every problem can be fixed with food choices

- When you are a powerlifting coach, the answer is always more back squats and presses

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The reality, of course, is that this isn’t always true. You need to evaluate the source of your information. Are you having a conversation with Buddy Lee? I’m gonna take a guess and say he’s going to recommend more jump roping – almost regardless of your issue. Talking to Mike Burgener? Snatches and Clean and Jerks. Barry Sears? More accuracy and precision with food.

You get the picture.

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Where do I fit into this?

I’m probably going to steer you away from doctors and physical therapists more than I should. Got a bad shoulder? I’m probably going to recommend barbell presses. In reality, you might need surgery. Need to mobilize your shoulders and hips? I’ll probably recommend PNF and  functional movement  based on my knowledge and experience. In reality, ART/soft tissue work might be the solution.

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Who’s opinion should you value the most?

–The general who occasionally recommends deferring to USAID to solve a problem.

–The management consultant who says you have an IT problem that he can’t help you with.

–The kettlebell guy who sometimes recommends more gymnastics.

– The Crossfitter who knows when Crossfit isn’t the answer

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Sometimes the best thing to say is “This is what I do and know well. My stuff isn’t the solution to your problem, and I’m probably not the guy to help you. But let me introduce you to someone”