Build your weaknesses until they become your strengths

A client once made a comment to me after a session that changed my perspective on some of my training approaches and how these approaches may resonate differently to different people.  He mentioned at times he feels worse about himself during the session but inspired by what he can achieve if he remains dedicated. Yet, he struggles with the dedication because of the vulnerability he experiences during the sessions. “So how do you remain dedicated if you feel worse about yourself?” 

Each person responds differently to a new training regimen especially when it’s addressing his or her Parkinson’s. Some people are not bothered by their weaknesses and are ecstatic when they perform well in one area. Others may over analyze every movement because they are constantly comparing themselves to what they were once able to achieve prior to this disease. Some may want to focus on what’s fun and others may want to focus on what’s going to help them the most. 

This poses a challenge to me because everything I do is result driven and the fun comes later. This goes back to training like an athlete. It is hard work and a lot of repetition. Your weaknesses are exposed and you are vulnerable while you are trying your hardest but failing. Until suddenly you succeed and your strengths are what you notice rather than the stooped posture or the festering steps. Many people find pride in this and value these outcomes, but not everyone can handle the process.

So the question I still ask myself is… “How do personality types affect a client’s attrition in a program that is more rehabilitative and result driven rather than fun.  This is one of the main outcomes we are looking at once this research study kicks off at Cleveland Clinic. 

One of the ways I started to address this is by educating myself on the psychology of rehabilitation and performance and how injury and disease can alter a person’s values that may effect results. I then take notice of these changes with my clients early on and during the initial consult I prepare them to expect certain emotions. They begin the training with a clear understanding that Motorvation exposes a person’s weaknesses and then transforms them. This is not to make a person feel inadequate but to prevent injury, drive neuroplasticity, and to produce results.  

-Darbe Schlosser