Jack Lalanne – Wisdom
I’ve had a lot questions come in from people interested in a fitness (training) based career path. I typically welcome the enthusiasm, but it seems that more and more people are asking these questions for all the wrong reasons. The questions often have nothing to do with training, and are instead focused solely on money, money, and more money. How much can I make? Can I get rich? What’s the fastest way? The list goes on and on…
Now, I’m not suggesting that earning a living isn’t important. I too have a wife and son, with another child on the way. I need to provide for my family. I also need to look my children in the eye however and teach them valuable lessons such as the importance of honesty and integrity. There is only one way to raise my children and that is by leading from the front, and leading by example.
In the video below, Jack Lalanne delivers a powerful message. You can literally feel his enthusiasm. He honestly cares about helping others achieve their goals.
As I said in my most recent article, if you are looking to get rich, find another industry, as this isn’t the right (or best) place for you. If money is your only driving force, join the finance industry. If you want a part of this industry, please share Jack’s passion. If you don’t, do us all a favor and don’t waste your time, as your entrance will only make others more leery of an already shady industry. It’s gotten to the point that many people will automatically assume that you are just another snake oil salesman. You must continually prove that you are not, as someone will always question your motive.
Now, if you love what you do and are passionate about your work, it won’t faze you. You’ll become successful without trying. Look at Jack Lalanne for the perfect example. I’m guessing that he’s done pretty well for himself financially. He did so by staying true to his word and honestly caring about the success of others. We can all learn from his example.
Focus on becoming better at what you do and the financial aspect will eventually take care of itself.
Ross
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Ross
You are absolutely right. If your primary goal is money, you cannot truly focus on providing people with the best advice and help as possible.I really hate it when people try to earn money by ‘helping’ others (mostly beginners) with their training.
The owner of the gym I train at, is such a person. Although he wants to help, his primary goal clearly is earning money; because of that I never ask him any questions, neither do I respect his opinion, which is a pity, as he probably knows a lot about fitness…
Good message. I have heard Jack a lot but never heard him or seen his material. Looked him before and got lots of juicer info. So true about the passion in his message…he is a good witness for training w/ his Dad as part of his motivation.
Side note: Ross, I think your next Youtube piece should feature you doing one arm snatches in a jump suit similar to Jack’s.
I love these old Jack Lalanne videos. Wonderful old-school presentation. Looking back, this style must have been very progressive at the time, but now, in today’s world of bite-sized informercials and superflous sillines, Jack’s old-school wisdom serves as a vital antidote.
Jack tells it like it is — wonderful.
Ross, your honesty and integrity show in your work and stood out from the rest when I was researching which exercise book to buy. In the past I was discouraged from working out because of having to wade through all the hype and false info. Your straight-forward, honest approach has been a life-changer.
Jack is a legend. He is still as passionate as ever. I was lucky enough to speak to him on his 93rd birthday and he was encouraging me to lift weights every day. He had just finished a 2 hour workout. (Interview here: http://www.excelsiorgroup.co.uk/news.shtml)
If you want to make money, don’t go into coaching. But the rewards are more than just finance.
Ross, that is a great message and it is obvious that you practice what you preach. You responded personally to my email and I just ordered some of your products. Unlike many, you do not underestimate the intelligence or honor of your customer/clients. Clearly you are aware that many of us are looking to work hard yet efficiently and not for a quick fix. That kind of person is going to have a well honed BS detector and find themselves drawn towards someone who has your determination and ethics.
I think you are a lot like Jack. That’s why I bought from you, come to this site, and tell people about your stuff. God Bless you both.
Wow, what a great message. I’m just beginning my career in fitness and this video is definitely a motivating factor to me to make sure I do the best that I can for my clients. You’re right–when you have a passion for something, the rest will take care of itself. Thanks for providing me with that message!