5 Things I Learned in 2017

5 Things I Learned in 2017
Written by: Coach Slater

For some reason, I thought I should reflect on the past year to appreciate what I’ve learned and what’s changed in the life of Derby City. I figured this might help me/us set goals for the upcoming year. Reflecting means evolving, right? And, we’re always stressing the importance of personal evolution at Derby City, so I thought I should take some of my own medicine.

I’ll share some of the things I learned in 2017, but if you’re interested, I’d love to read in the comments what you’ve learned that has changed your approach this year. By sharing, we can all grow.

1. Connect
In 2017, I think we did a much better job connecting with people on a personal level. For example, we have a standard for our coaches to say to everyone as they walk in the gym (by name ideally). Sure, it’s just a small gesture, but I think it helps the entire community connect with each other when we’re hearing names more frequently. Hopefully, that translates into people taking the time to get to know each other more. After all, opening ourselves up can be very rewarding. For 2018, we’ve got some ideas on how to take personal accountability to greater levels, and it starts with us connecting with you better.

2. Ego is the Enemy
Social media seems full of people trying to showcase how much better their life is than reality. It’s disappointing to me when I see people advertising their life as more glamorous than it actually is, just to supplement their own ego. Instead, if their motivations were more sincere, I think things would work out better for them, and they’ll find success organically. As it relates to Derby City, I try *very* hard to make sure I don’t come off as something I’m not. I try to do things for the right reasons, which includes being of service to others here at Derby City, not just inflate my own ego as a business owner or a Coach. My dad has a simple signature line at the end of his emails, “Have a nice day and help others do the same.” I don’t know when he first added it, but I’ve always liked the simplicity of its message.

3. Simple Is Better
Speaking of simplicity, people have a tendency to get carried away with the latest trends and fads. And, as social media continues to become a contest of who can make simple things more complicated, I’ve been doing the opposite. It’s easier to be fit & healthy adults if we keep things simple. Work on our personal relationships, rest & recover, be mindful of ourselves & others, fuel ourselves well, move more often throughout our days/weeks/months, and smile. Simple is typically better.

4. Enjoy the Grind
Like everyone else, I’ve experienced a handful of stressful events this year; and, after coming out on the other side of these situations, I felt a little stronger. I try to put my nose to the grindstone and just keep working. Stress is going to happen, and often times, we can’t do shit about it but just keep moving forward. Luckily, my “job” is pretty damn fun, most of the time. Prior to Derby City, I worked a job for 15 years where I saw good ideas thwarted, good people leave out of frustration, bad people kept around for unknown reasons, … well, my point is, the job made it hard to enjoy “the grind”. Not everyone is lucky enough to do something they love, but they can take pride in their efforts; in the grind. Bring a positive attitude to what you’re doing and you’ll find that enjoyment.

5. Culture, Culture, Culture (We’re Not Trying to Become CrossFit-Walmart)
On the outside looking in, it appears other gyms are trying to become very systematic, to become like Walmart. They want their systems so dialed in that the place runs itself. But, when they go this route, I think they risk losing their personality. I don’t ever want Derby City to lose its personality of fun, social, quirky people who enjoy challenging themselves. So, while other gyms are trying to become faceless, we’re trying to create a culture where people genuinely cheer each other’s successes. Where people are comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Bonus: 2018 & Beyond
Lastly, here’s to hoping that I don’t forget these lessons throughout 2018, because a lot can change in a year! “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”