![\"excellence1\"](\"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/excellence1-300x183.jpg\" "\\"excellence1\\"")
<\/p>\nSeldom do I use my blog as a platform to rant, boast or anything in between. \u00a0I generally like to share evidenced based information that helps improve your health and performance. \u00a0But, every once in a while I feel the need to share my opinions on things I feel strongly about. \u00a0Today, I want to offer you my suggestions and theory on professional excellence within the fields of health and fitness.<\/p>\n
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Let me preface this post by simply saying I would never think of writing this or publishing it online for the whole world to read without having several years (15 now) of professional experience under my belt and a proven track record of getting RESULTS for my clients. \u00a0In my mind, the very reasons for my success include: being blessed with above average intelligence, a strong work ethic, a desire to help and serve others, unquenchable PASSION to be the very best I can be in my field, and an uncanny knack for seeing things others do not and using that information to make impactful exercise and treatment decisions for my patients and clients.<\/p>\n
Where am I going with this? \u00a0Well, unfortunately, not all trainers, coaches and physical therapists share this same passion or possess this knack that I speak of. \u00a0Some are content after college (or certification) to be good enough and may not read literature, go above and beyond with continuing education, surround themselves with the best in the business or strive to be better each day. \u00a0Others may simply not have an innate ability to problem solve and synthesize given data to construct the right plan for the client. \u00a0Often trainers and clinicians default to what is easy or “what they know” as opposed to viewing each client in a different light. \u00a0In other words, they lack artistry. \u00a0They will never be revered like Picasso (pictured below).<\/p>\n
![\"picasso-head-shot\"](\"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/picasso-head-shot.jpg\" "\\"picasso-head-shot\\"")
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Jim Collins defines how important passion \u00a0and identifying what you are better than everyone else at in life in Good to Great<\/em> when he discusses the “hedgehog concept” and why some businesses are so much better than others. \u00a0Passion fuels learning. Passion propels great practitioners to accept their mistakes and move forward. \u00a0Passion fuels the desire to create the perfect program for each and every client. \u00a0Passion sparks creativity. \u00a0Herein lies the very reason you must seek out a Picasso – he had passion, skill and and was able to blend this into rich artistry and ultimately achieve greatness in his profession.<\/p>\n In my mind, an adequate fitness pro or therapist can put together fundamentally sound programs. \u00a0However, many times they simply use templates, protocols or the same approach for similar clients or problems. \u00a0Many times they simply copy other successful people. \u00a0While this approach does no harm in most cases, I fear it falls short in delivering excellence to each respective client or patient. \u00a0It is almost as if some people would rather paint by numbers and follow predictable patterns of programming without considering the unique qualities of each client or his\/her specific needs and goals.<\/p>\n Ever see someone prescribe the same exercises and same number of reps all the time? \u00a0Or do the same stuff over and over and expect a different result? \u00a0Ever wonder how someone gages the types and intensity of the plyometrics they prescribe? \u00a0Do you wonder why some people go to rehab and suffer a re-tear in their rotator cuff or labrum after surgery? \u00a0Did it occur to you that some runners may not be able to run as many miles as others w\/o getting stress fractures based on their body? \u00a0Maybe less is more? \u00a0Ever consider that some exercises are not right for you?<\/p>\n I think we must turn over every stone along the way to be sure about things. \u00a0I believe we must test, measure and be willing to wipe the slate clean until we find the right solution for each person. \u00a0We must question the norms and be willing to work outside the lines at times. \u00a0It becomes easy to follow the same patterns and assumptions in training and medicine. \u00a0Becoming a Picasso takes hard work and a willingness to be wrong or change your approach several times until it feels just right and brings harmony to the client.<\/p>\n With that said, would you prefer predictable programming that looks like this………….<\/p>\n Or would you be more satisfied with a an evolutionary product that ends up like this?<\/p>\n You see, no two human bodies are exactly alike. \u00a0They are complete originals just like hand crafted artwork. \u00a0Beyond the physical issues that exist, one must carefully consider personality type, mental capacity, prior experiences, age, sex and most importantly the particular goals of the client. \u00a0I would strongly suggest to you that no book, DVD, conference, etc. produces a Picasso type expert. \u00a0Rather, it is a long arduous process that shapes and molds a master artist or practitioner. \u00a0I know my philosophy and approach is consistently broadening and changing as I continue to learn and work – each year brings more seasoning and creativity.<\/p>\n The real X Factor that defines a true Picasso<\/strong><\/p>\n Instead, artists are developed over time by their own education, experiences, passion and willingness to pursue greatness. \u00a0The best doctors, therapists and trainers (Picassos) I have worked ever with have the ability to quickly analyze findings and begin to craft a specific plan that is “just right” for that individual. \u00a0They use sound science to guide decision making, yet exercise freedom to deviate based on astute personal observations and intuition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the very best have a certain “sixth sense” or “magical touch” <\/strong>if you will. \u00a0They know when to pull back, when to push harder and when to change course. \u00a0They can read their clients like a book and communicate on a level that prohibits miscommunication and eliminates barriers. \u00a0Their methods evoke the utmost trust from those they serve. \u00a0They seem to be one with the client at all times – this connection is truly special.<\/p>\n I feel as if I have been blessed with such a gift, and that I am fortunate enough to be using it to serve others myself. \u00a0Understand this – successful training and rehab is really just beautiful artistry<\/span>. \u00a0There are many different forms of it, and several experts in the industry have the gift of creating physical masterpieces, resolving pain, and restoring broken people. \u00a0Personally, I try to learn from such experts in my quest for everyday greatness.<\/p>\n Inherently, I think you know when someone has a gift and is really good at what they do. \u00a0There is a reason they find success where others have failed. \u00a0Are they smarter than others? \u00a0Probably not. \u00a0They just have a burning passion, sufficient talent and an innate ability to sense what the next step or plan of action should be to bring about the optimal results. \u00a0They treat every client like a blank canvas and work on a new masterpiece as opposed to copying a prior piece of work.<\/p>\n So, if you are someone in pain looking for relief or an athlete seeking better performance, make sure you seek out a Picasso in your area. \u00a0Examine their previous work and sample it for yourself. \u00a0You will know when it is right. \u00a0If you are a practitioner reading this, perhaps you already paint like Picasso. \u00a0If not, closely examine your passions and make sure they align with what you are doing in life as your clients deserve that much. \u00a0In the end, never settle for imitations and cheap art because your health and attainment of goals is priceless!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Seldom do I use my blog as a platform to rant, boast or anything in between. \u00a0I generally like to share evidenced based information that helps improve your health and performance. \u00a0But, every once in a while I feel the need to share my opinions on things I feel strongly about. \u00a0Today, I want to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,8,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1205","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fitness","category-health","category-rehab","category-training"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"piant-by-numbers-image\"](\"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/piant-by-numbers-image-300x240.png\" "\\"piant-by-numbers-image\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"picasso-paintings2\"](\"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/picasso-paintings2.jpg\" "\\"picasso-paintings2\\"")
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