by John | May 4, 2021 | Best Practices, Engage Your Students, Instructor Training, KEEPING IT FUN, Learn Leadership Skills, Mental Toughness
I love sharing anything created by public speaking expert Alexa Fischer. She has just published part one of a free video series. I just finished watching this 13 min video and felt you may enjoy learning how to move past the negative thoughts that could be holding you back from effortlessly connecting with your riders.
When opportunities happen, it's up to you to be ready.
Whether it's chatting your boss up in the elevator, introducing yourself to a major influencer, sharing your new idea at the company retreat or effortlessly welcoming new neighbors, when you speak with confidence and calm – in any situation – it matters.
It matters to you, but it also matters to them.
Drum roll, please… I cordially invite you to watch VIDEO ONE of the 1000 Watt Presence: Free Training Series. No need to sign up, just click on the video and you'll be directed to the classroom. This week I'm sharing a few exercises to help you identify and release the habitual negative thoughts that have been holding you back. And the truth is, we all have them.
Positive thoughts are your fuel for happiness, success and clarity. Your inner scripts are the reason you have stopped yourself from speaking up, taking risks and seizing opportunities. But habits can be changed. Starting now.
The world needs your light. Let it shine,
Alexa
Click here to see the video.
Originally posted 2018-01-09 09:00:18.
by Dr. Shannon | Mar 4, 2021 | Engage Your Students, Learn Leadership Skills
The only attribute better to possess than that of being an encourager, is being an honest one. Honestly, it’s true!
I like to think that most people are honest, but sorry to say, that is simply not the case. Although I still like to believe it. J
In a world full of silicone, pleather, faux, knock-off this and a nip and tuck off that…it’s no wonder that the act of simply being real is considered rare and therefore, valuable. People are hungry for the truth; whether they like to admit it or not. Of course, they won’t admit it, because most people are afraid. That is why they are dishonest. And usually it’s with him or herself more than anyone else. So this is going to be the focus of what I share with you today. But before I do, is it acceptable for me to be completely honest with you about this issue? Is a little tough love O.K.? Can you handle the truth?
If you desire to be the Instructor (Inspirer), as well as PERSON, that your students (and others) cannot wait to see again, then you must look at yourself openly and honestly. I like to think of this as our time (noticed I said, “our”…because we all need this) to be naked and unashamed!
Years ago I started writing a 12-Step Program for healthy people to keep them that way. After unknowingly attending a Narcotic’s Anonymous meeting, I discovered this remarkable thing called “12 Steps”. I was absolutely inspired and on a mission to discover a 12-Step Program that I could also be a part of. Since I was told that I would need to have a drug or alcohol addiction, or have a family member who did, in order to attend N.A. or A.A. meetings regularly.
I searched, but didn’t find anything available. So I began a journey to discover what the 12 steps would look like for someone who desired to “make healthy their habit”. Let’s face it; 12-Step Programs are designed to keep people from falling off the wagon. So what’s available to a healthy individual who gets stressed out, busy, etc. and they find themselves eating horribly and not exercising…”falling off the wagon” of great health?
The good news is, I now KNOW the 12-Steps to do just that. And these steps are tried and true; because they have taken me through some of the deepest valleys of my life, while staying “on the wagon” of great health and WELLTH. I share these steps in my book, Dr. Shannon Knows…The 12 Steps for Wellthy People. Quite simply, it’s how to make healthy your habit.
Through many of my own experiences (some intensely painful) I realized that the first step in being our best is facing our fears. I call it, “Exposing Yourself”. It’s when you truly ask yourself, “What am I afraid of?” and you answer with honesty and courage. From there the process of wonderment takes over as you dare to wonder, “What if?” However, it’s the kind of “What if?” moment that leads you to being your best. Not worrying…just like all the rest.
Imagine what you and your life would be like if you were the best in the world? Perhaps it’s being an Olympic gold medalist, national titleholder or the best instructor, associate, employee or boss. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s being the best YOU that you can be. This is the revelation I had one day as I was imagining what it would be like to be the best in the world at something. I thought, “Hey, how about being the World’s Best ME!” What would that look like?
So what’s standing in your way? Who is standing in your way? What are you afraid of? When was the last time you looked in the mirror and gave honest (and loving) feedback to the person standing in front of you? Or do you see things as you would in a funhouse (usually not so fun) mirror? Are you seeing distortion, blown out of proportion, too fat, too thin, and certainly not a true reflection of the person you really are?
Are you ready (and willing) to see the truth?
Now we are really starting to get to the “not so easy to talk about” stuff. But remember in the beginning when I asked if it was O.K.? I thought I heard everyone say, “YES”! So here it goes…
Are you honest? Come on, this is not the time to candy-coat anything. Perhaps you have been candy-coating so many things in your life that you are gaining weight. Sometimes people (you or your students) gain weight not because of what they (or you) are eating, but what’s eating them (or you)!
Seriously, this is a huge issue and no cycling class is going to change this unless you lead from a place of loving honesty. Both with your students and your self!
People seem to lie about everything! From their weight, to their excuses, to their reasons for this or that, or simply why they are where they are. It’s always everyone else’s fault or is it?
One of my past coaches used to say, “Excuses are like toilets. We all have them and they all stink!” Years ago I realized that if my failures are someone else’s fault, then my successes will be too. In that moment I realized that no one besides me would be responsible for my successes or my failures. When we own our mistakes, we can own our successes.
Are you honest with yourself about you, your life, your passions, and your desires? Do you honor your commitments with others, as well as yourself? Do you keep your word? Do you show up when you say you’re going to show up? Or do you make excuses for your lack of integrity? Are you lovingly honest with your students? Are you worthy of their trust? Are you worthy of YOUR trust?
Remember that a trustworthy messenger brings healing. That’s right, and whether you’re a doctor or an instructor, we are all teachers. Those who come to us are seeking something. You can be the one who delivers it to them, even if you never say a word! They will feel (and heal) better just by being in your presence. Honesty and integrity have an unforgettable presence, because they are qualities that are highly productive and attractive.
As I said before, people (you and your students) are hungry for the truth. Make sure that you honor your words to yourself and your students, think the best and speak the truth.
Live what you believe and reflect the truth that is within you! If you don’t like what you are seeing, then it’s time to take a deep look at your “truths”. What do you believe? How is it working for you? (These are two of the most profound questions you can ask yourself.) YOU CAN DO IT! And remember to be kind and encouraging when you do.
Honest self-awareness and authenticity are the keys to your success (health, happiness, WELLTH) in every area of your life. And they will be the core of what makes (and keeps) you the Instructor (Inspirer) that your students (and you) can’t wait to see again!
Honestly yours,
Dr. Shannon
chiropractor | coach | speaker | author
http://www.drshannonknows.com
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Originally posted 2012-04-15 06:00:52.
by John | Feb 20, 2021 | Best Practices, Engage Your Students, Instructor Training, KEEPING IT FUN, Learn Leadership Skills
4/1/16 update – not an April Fools joke, rather I'm re-publishing this today to help a friend with this issue.
I heard a very disturbing story this morning, from a regular in my 6:00am class.
What follows is a sad example of what happens when an Instructor isn't the leader in the class and tolerates disruptive behavior by one or more members.
Member: Did you hear what happened yesterday? I'm really curious what will happen tomorrow.
Me: No… what happened, tell me.
Member: It was total anarchy. The guy behind me completely lost it. I guess he couldn't take her non-stop talking anymore and yelled, SHUT THE F*** UP at the women who was riding two places to his right, while she was talking loudly on her phone.
Me: Wait, she was on her phone… in the middle of class?
Member: Yeah, she had on hand covering her ear and was talking really loudly in a conversation that seemed to go on forever. A number of us gave the instructor pleading looks to ask her to do something. She just shrugged her shoulders with a “I can't do anything” look.
Me: That's crazy.
Member: That was only the beginning. What happened next was complete chaos. People started yelling at each other. It's was almost like the people who come to focus and really work hard were empowered by that guy expressing his frustrations with the talkers. They'd also had had enough and many joined in to support him. I couldn't believe all this was happening…
I can believe it. Our riders pay a lot of money to be members. They're also polite people who tend to sit quietly, even though internally they're seething inside, being forced to endure frequent (in some classes constant) disruptions, when all they want is to listen to the music and work hard. I've been told by members, on multiple occasions, that they appreciate how I try to keep disruptions to a minimum.
I can also understand how, for some Instructors, it is difficult to be the leader and impose order on his/her class. Indoor Cycling classes are supposed to be a fun experience – not a contentious time when we need to act more like a strict parent, than a personable, fitness Instructor.
Thinking back, I don't remember “Leadership Skills” being included in any of the certification programs I've taken. Which I feel is a mistake. It's my belief that learning to be the leader in your class is the most important role you have in your studio – especially for new Instructors and a critical skill for anyone teaching in a Big Box studio with a large & diverse membership.
Understanding that many Instructors aren't natural “leaders” I have written a bunch of articles that I hope will explain; WHY your class needs you to be the leader, signs that some in class don't accept and/or respect your leadership, and what you can do to assert your proper role – even if you haven't in the past.
Stop the Talkers — Step One… Identify The Real Issue
There’s a recurring issue that keeps popping up on Facebook and Pedal-On forum:
Does anyone have a suggestion about to do about the consistent talkers in my classes? They’re really disruptive, but I don’t what to offend anyone. What should I do?
Stop the Talkers — Step Two… It’s an issue of disrespect, but why?
So if in one instance people are disrespecting you and the other’s in your class by talking, but in a different situation they wouldn’t, the obvious question to ask is WHY? Why do people act disrespectfully?
The whole concept of why people do what they do is fascinating to me. Back in 2011 I introduced you to the concept of Start with WHY and that it’s important to understand WHY you are doing what you do… and WHY some of your participants do what they do.
Stop the Talkers — Step Three… Let’s Fix This Today!
Your class participants and manager/owner are expecting you to be the leader of your class.
So let’s end these Talker problems today!
You'll find additional suggestions on developing as the leader of your class (or outdoors as a ride leader) here.
Originally posted 2016-04-01 01:33:59.
by John | Feb 14, 2021 | Best Practices, Big Box Instructor, Learn Leadership Skills
It seems I made a few enemies on Wednesday. I subbed a “Housewives” 9:30 am class that had a bunch of talkers in it. I'm not too tolerant of people disrupting my class. So I told asked them to please save their conversations until after class. As it turns out, a regular of mine overheard a conversation the following day, between the scheduled Instructor and a few of the participants. Though you might enjoy seeing his email to Amy describing the exchange…
John Macgowan is on the unofficial Eden Prairie Housewives “hit list”. You may want to let him know to keep a low profile and wear a disguise if going out and about in EP.
Thursday morning during his spin class he mentioned that he subbed for XXXX at 9:30 Wednesday. I had scheduled interviews with some candidates for a job and used the restaurant at LTF (Life Time Fitness where I teach) this morning.
Had a two hour break so was able to go to XXXX's 9:30 and those housewives were giving XXXX hell because “the sub instructor” (John) worked them too hard and (here is the best part) seemed annoyed because they wanted to carry on conversations during the class.
I personally have complained to XXXX multiple times about the nonstop talking in her class and went so far as to call XXXX (Dept Head) about it. I held my tongue for as long as I could this morning, then I let those housewives have it.
You (Amy), Adam and John run organized classes, XXXX's tends to be a yard sale, but she is a really strong instructor. This morning I proceeded to say something along the lines of if you want social hour go upstairs and have it there and don't criticize the instructor for properly managing a class.
I also referred to the loudest and most annoying lady in the class as a manatee who should be more focused on the workout and less on annoying the entire class. Needless to say, I probably need a disguise now as well.
Kind of made my day to hear John overwhelmed them. Hope you all are well. Happy Friday!! See you tomorrow.
Originally posted 2015-01-10 04:23:56.
by John | Feb 13, 2020 | Best Practices, Big Box Instructor, Engage Your Students, Instructor Training, KEEPING IT FUN, Learn Leadership Skills, Master Instructor Blog
There's a recurring issue that keeps popping up on Facebook and Pedal-On forum:
Does anyone have a suggestion about to do about the consistent talkers in my classes? They're really disruptive, but I don't what to offend anyone. What should I do?
What follows are a series of well meaning suggestions from other Instructors; turn down the music, make a light joke – you don't want me to have to split you two up, do you?, stand between them, etc.
Others state something like; it's their ride, they're the paying customer, so I let them talk.
I don't feel any of these simple solutions are directed at the real problem or identify the real cause. In many cases there are no “simple” solutions. There will be a number of you won't be comfortable with the solutions I do plan to share. But before I go any further, I'd like your responses to what you see as the fundamental difference between these two scenarios:
Scenario #1
Breathless Betty and Chatty Cathy are long time fixtures at your club. They are inseparable and always ride the same two bikes (second row from the front, just off center) they have for years. They're talking as they come in and continue, non-stop, through your's (and everyone else's) class. Betty spends much of the class sitting up, soft pedaling, while looking and listening to Cathy. Cathy from a distance appears to be following the class, but never shuts up.
You've tried everything you can think of and have even asked them both privately to please stop talking in class. They don't. To make matters worse they've complained to the GM how they feel you've embarrassed them.
Despite your best efforts to ignore them, the negative affect these two have on you is wearing. Rather than being excited about teaching, you feel anxious, powerless and your class presentation suffers – resulting in fewer participants.
Scenario #1
You are super excited! You've staked out two great bikes (second row from the front, just off center) for Josh Taylor's Fighter Pilot ride at WSSC. Joining you for the ride is your dear friend Susan, who you only see once a year when you're together in Miami. You both laugh about how expensive this ride is, but agree that it will be so worth every penny. Josh mounts his custom Blade Ion. The lights come down. And with the start of the music, Josh launches into the ride.
Ten minutes in Susan looks over at you and asks; “so… how are your kids?” You're shocked in disbelief; doesn't she realize where we are? Without even thinking you turn to Susan and place your index finger across your closed lips > the universal sign for “Be Quiet”. Susan gets the hint immediately and you sense her embarrassment. The two of you ride in silence for the remaining time of the ride.
So what's the difference?
Why do Breathless Betty and Chatty Cathy not behave the same way that you and Susan did at WSSC?
In part two we'll explore what I feel is the answer to this and why, exactly, this happens.
Originally posted 2015-01-19 11:02:41.
by John | Jan 29, 2020 | Engage Your Students, Instructor Training, Learn Leadership Skills
“Thank you for saying something to those two girls. I can't tell you how frustrating it is for me to have to sit and listen to their mindless chatter while I'm trying to focus on my workout.”
It was yesterday and I had just finished subbing a class at one of the high-end clubs where I have a regular endurance class during the winter.
I started to say “You're wel…” when she interrupted me with; “Not all the Instructors will say something. I don't have a lot of flexibility in my schedule and this is one of the few classes that works for me… so thank you.”
I wanted to ask her why, when she is in that situation, she didn't say anything to the people who were disrupting her time in class? But before I could, I answered my own question.
She respected my social rank or status in the class and was waiting for me to demonstrate the leadership she believed came with my position as the Instructor. I have some knowledge of this member. She is a very successful local attorney and when you see her in street clothes you know she means business. I'm going to guess that her Social Status hasn't come from a meek or non-confrontational personality.
But when she's in class, with her Lycra shorts and a bright yellow jersey, she has the same exact status of everyone in the room, except one – the Instructor, who yesterday was me.
It's actually kind of funny when I think about it. I've often described my students as people who you will regularly read about in the business section of the newspaper or see interviewed on TV. And here's little old me, the leader of a group of high power Lawyers, CEO's and business owners… hard to believe. But for one hour every Monday morning I am the Big Dog 🙂
And more importantly, they all expect me to be the leader.
Put yourself in your student's position. Whatever social status they have outside of class vanishes when they strip down in the locker room and squeeze into their bike shorts. Some go from a position of absolute authority to near social impotence in the three minutes it takes them to change. Imagine the frustration they must feel riding in your class, trying to focus on their workout, but forced to listen to a detailed recap of yesterday's Housewives of the O C or some other nonsense.
There's a good thread running about this over at Pedal-On Students who won't shut up that has a bunch of suggestions about how you can address this problem. My personal favorite is setting clear expectations at the beginning of your class. Master Instructor Kenji Freedman is phenomenal at setting these expectations in his class opening. You can hear it at the beginning of Podcast #143.
Do you understand your role as the leader in your class?
Originally posted 2011-07-09 09:15:52.
