When browsing a popular forum page not too long ago, I came across a thread of an athlete looking for nutrition assistance. One of the comments had me thinking about the overwhelming number of experts that an athlete can choose from when it comes to assistance with health, body composition, mental skills, fitness and performance. This certainly extends to doctors, physical therapists, massage therapists, strength coaches, etc.
I believe that there's someone out there for everyone BUT you do have to do your due diligence. What is it that you need from your professional and does she/he have a similar belief structure as your own?
I believe that there's someone out there for everyone BUT you do have to do your due diligence. What is it that you need from your professional and does she/he have a similar belief structure as your own?
- Credentials - Today, anyone can claim to be an expert. Use your basic knowledge to determine if your expert has credibility to call him/herself an expert. Does this person have the appropriate education/schooling to diagnose and treat you? You can also look for advanced credentialing such as CSSD (Board Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics) to demonstrate specialized experience, knowledge, skill and expertise in a certain area.
- Experience - It goes without saying that you should be searching for an expert who has expert experience in the area that you need help with. In some fields, lots of experience may be more beneficial than having lots of credentials. If you are an athlete, your expert should be experienced in your sport. Just because someone has formal education to call him/herself an expert, this doesn't mean that he/she should professionally counsel you. While she/he may have textbook, laboratory or internet knowledge, it's also good to have real life experience.
- Avoid black or white thinking - When you reach out to an expert, you should be able to ask questions without judgement or fear. An expert should have time for you - treating you like an individual, listening to your background and always considering options and different problem-solving strategies. Rigid thinking and not listening means an inability to change the mind. But with humans, we are all different. Flexible thinking and personalized advice is important in the counseling process as it relates to long-term success.
- Philosophy - I feel a business or personal philosophy is extremely beneficial when it comes to finding our expert. Instead of reaching out to someone who is popular, you should understand and align with his/her methods and philosophy. Ask around for recommendations and referrals from athletes who have worked with your potential expert to ensure that you find the right person for your needs. Pay attention to contradictions in advice, extreme methods or affiliations to "sell" you a product. Take some time to understand the set of beliefs and principles from your future expert to ensure that he/she practices what he/she preaches. Above all, a philosophy outlines the values that are important to that person/business. If you don't connect with his/her philosophy, there's a good chance that your expert is not the right fit for you (even if he/she worked fabulously well for your friend/teammate and has a large social media following).
- Don't look for a quick fix - As with any professional, it's important to find someone who is properly trained and offers sensible, realistic, sound advice. Don't choose your expert from his/her social media following/presence or a promise that he/she can quickly cure/fix your issues. Ask questions before you commit. With so many self-made experts, it's difficult to recognize who is trustworthy or not. Be mindful that a change in behavior/health is never a quick fix. Don't expect immediate, rapid or dramatic changes when starting on a new journey. If your expert promises that you will be an overnight success or there's a quick fix for your problem, be warned that something is too good to be true.
- Take your time - Just like with any field, finding the right professional for your needs may take time. Instead of googling for free advice, start the process of finding the expert who can help you answer your questions and give you appropriate advice that will help you reach your goals/needs. And it's ok to have multiple experts in the same field!
A big thank you to the experts that are part of my team!
- Erin Carson - Strength Coach
- Gloria Petruzelli - Sport Psychology
- Chris Johnson - PT
- Scott Kaylor - PT
- Dr. Casses - Doctor
- Kelly Vanleeuwen - Massage Therapist
- Kristen Johnston - My swimming partner
- Campy Sumbal - Recovery coach ;)
- Karel Sumbal - Life-long teammate
- Our new coaches!! (More on this soon)