It’s no secret that the fitness industry and ego go together. A growing movement says you should control your ego, or eliminate it entirely. But ego isn’t always a bad thing. In today’s episode, Jon and Amber discuss the good and bad of having an ego, and how to manage your ego so it helps, doesn’t hurt, your success.

Why people think an ego is bad

There are those who think having an ego is bad; however, many people who rail against something are upset because they wish they had that thing themselves.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with wanting a good body. Many people who promote the body positivity movement would love to have a good body, and there is nothing wrong with wanting it. The same is true when it comes to having an ego. You just have to manage it.

Managing an ego

Having an ego doesn’t mean you stop listening to other people. There are plenty of others who have great ideas, and it is fine to learn from them. Whether someone has a larger or smaller following than yourself, they could have great ideas that deserve merit.

It’s also important not to get mad when someone says “no.” It is okay to be challenged, and this is the time to listen to others. Am I overstepping? Am I missing the point? Am I missing something my clients are telling me? Getting pushback from others is not a bad thing, and it is an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow.

Know what you know and don’t know

One of the most important parts of having an ego is to know what you know and know what you don’t know. For example, you might be a fitness professional who is great at helping people build muscle, improve cardio, and get in better shape; however, does this mean you are a marketing professional who knows how to build a business?

It’s fine to reach out to experts in other areas, putting yourself in the best position to be successful. You might be a fitness professional, but do you know about digital marketing? Do you know about SEO? Do you know about logo design? You need to work with other people who can help you with other aspects of your fitness group, helping you move every part of your fitness brand in the right direction.

Time management is critical: Know what matters to you

Another important part of managing an ego is time management. Know what matters to you. Sometimes, people who have a big ego think they can handle everything that’s thrown their way. They’re so full of themselves that they have a difficult time narrowing down their focus to what matters most.

For example, if you are in the fitness industry, you understand the demands this can place on your time. A lot of your clients probably prefer to meet outside of business hours, so you are busy early in the morning and late at night. If you are getting ready to have children, you may have a difficult time being present for them if you are constantly working with your clients. Therefore, you need to find a better way to manage your time.

It can take a lot of effort to put your pride to the side and admit that you need to narrow your focus. If you do so, you will build a successful business, maintain your personal and professional relationships, and lead a happier life. Time management is a critical part of managing your ego.

A big ego is a problem if you don't know it's there

Ultimately, success in the fitness industry and ego are connected. A lot of people in the fitness industry have a big ego—the industry selects for them. Having a big ego is not necessarily a bad thing; however, it can be problematic when you don't realize it’s there.

You must efficiently manage your ego if you want to be successful. Managing your ego can present a sense of confidence to your clients, help you manage your time, and allow you to learn from other people who may have helpful ideas for your business. On the other hand, if you don't manage your ego, you could have a difficult time maintaining relationships. You might also bite off more than you can chew.

Therefore, don't hesitate to ask for feedback from time to time. See what other people think of your ideas, and always collect feedback from your clients. This can help you manage your ego, grow your client base, and define your brand identity.

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