From the looks of it, it might not seem obvious that people see true greatness when you are fit. The gym isn't exactly a sexy experience. Just look at me at 8:00 AM. Not fully awake, I'm totally focused and have my intention zeroed in on being well so that I can take care of others.

From the looks of it, it might not seem obvious that people see true greatness when you are fit. The gym isn’t exactly a sexy experience. Just look at me at 8:00 AM. Not fully awake, I’m totally focused and have my intention zeroed in on being well so that I can take care of others.

Physical fitness has become quite important to my life.  To say that it helps maintain my sanity is as completely true as it seems preposterous.  After all, most people who know me would say that I’m pretty level headed, and even-tempered.  But, really, I am very much my father’s son: a relentlessly driven, Type-A personality.  Before getting into a regimen of regular workouts, my solution was poor, nervous eating habits.  A loaf of challah bread, or a bag of chips, or a container of ice cream would be consumed in no time flat.  So, in the pursuit of my wellbeing, I have learned that people see true greatness when you are fit.

Most of my clients are in and out of various states of imbalance when it comes to their physical wellbeing.  Some kind of physical fitness is common among many of my clients.  But, they often still struggle to get into the kind of shape that would make them proud.  I sense awkwardness about people who struggle to get into shape.  When this happens, it’s really hard for to see true greatness in people who are not fit.  Moreover, if you happen to be unfit, there is a tendency to focus on what’s wrong versus what’s right about yourself.  If you don’t see yourself in a good light, how will others?

Why should it even matter that people see true greatness when you are fit?  I mean, why the heck should this even matter?  Isn’t the quality of your character what really matters?

Well, yes.  Totally. 

Here's another self-incriminating photo from a recent workout. I risk the shame of any possible embarrassment to prove that people see true greatness when you're fit. Undoubtedly, I'm nearly the only one who is critical of how I appear in this photo. If you see greatness in me, it's because I'm brave enough to share such an image.

Here’s another self-incriminating photo from a recent workout. I risk the shame of any possible embarrassment to prove that people see true greatness when you’re fit. Undoubtedly, I’m nearly the only one who is critical of how I appear in this photo. If you see greatness in me, it’s because I’m brave enough to share such an image.

If we believe in the “totality” of the affirmative answer, then you must get on board with the fact that how you look has everything to do with the quality of your character.

I’m not even thinking about the styles and colors of clothing that go over the body.  I’m strictly thinking about the transformation that occurs when you get fit.  I am living proof that this phenomenon happens.

People see true greatness when you are fit because you walk taller.  I’m only 5’3” and I can tell you that, even after losing an inch of height over the last few years due to aging, people don’t see me as some shrimpy little dude.  I walk with a natural air of pride that belies my height.  That sense of pride is where people see true greatness because when you walk tall, you visually communicate that you are ready to take on whatever comes your way.

Karan Dhillon is my personal trainer. He truly makes the experience of being trained personal. People see true greatness when you are fit when you work with Karan, or someone like him, because he keeps you on the path of your personal greatness. You don't have to reach the end of the path to be great. You only need to be on it. And, for his part, he keeps me focused of the path and of the goals.

Karan Dhillon is my personal trainer. He truly makes the experience of being trained personal. People see true greatness when you are fit when you work with Karan, or someone like him, because he keeps you on the path of your personal greatness. You don’t have to reach the end of the path to be great. You only need to be on it. And, for his part, he keeps me focused of the path and of the goals.

One of the performance factors my trainer, Karan Dhillon, always works on with me is form.  Form is another way that people see true greatness when you are fit.  Now, you might think that form only matters in the gym.  But, this is incorrect.  If your form is off, you are sure to be injured from exercising at some point.  He would rather that I do 12 beautifully executed reps in a set, rather than pushing me to do all 15 if my form is off.  Imagine yourself trying to behave and perform at the top of your game, only to be walking around injured or in pain.  How does being in pain make you look strong? It doesn’t.  Plus, doing the exercise correctly, over time, builds your body to the point that you really are strong.

People see true greatness when you are fit. The focus and concentration that you see me having here stays with me throughout the day.

People see true greatness when you are fit. The focus and concentration that you see me having here stays with me throughout the day.

Doing the right exercises, doing them properly, and doing them consistently, is a discipline.  Discipline is practiced independently of anyone else.  It’s up to you to have self-discipline.  People see true greatness when you are fit because that discipline in the gym manifests as you being a responsible individual.  If you are capable of taking responsibility for your wellbeing, you are “fit” to look after the livelihoods of others.

Recently, the CEO of United Airlines was ousted and his replacement was installed very quickly.  Sadly, in fewer than 40 days on the job, the new CEO took a heart attack.  He had to step aside to tend to his recovery.  He was literally “unfit” to run a big high-pressure business when his own health was being ignored.

Working out and getting fit should be a challenge. But, it is achievable. The drive to get

Working out and getting fit should be a challenge. But, it is achievable. The drive to get “somewhere” better than where you are is how people see true greatness when you are fit. Just show that you’re making small improvements in your life, and everyone around you thinks you are a superstar.

I really like working out with Karan.  He is my accountability partner in my workouts and when my mindfulness about nutrition takes a vacation when I travel.  It’s very important to find someone who supports your goals and holds you accountable to reach them.  My strength-training program is progressing nicely.  I can see progress with my physicality.  I have more pride in myself.  How I look represents non-physical qualities about myself that I want people to notice.

Without Karan at my side twice a week, being in this place would be a lot harder to achieve.  Although I’ve not achieved my ultimate goals, they’re on the horizon.  I can see them and am working toward them.  It’s great that I’m not doing it alone, and that my trainer is also among my biggest cheerleaders, supporting my intention to be healthy.

People see true greatness when you are fit because you show up looking like the very best version of yourself.  Who in their right mind wouldn’t like the very best version of you?  I can’t think of anyone either.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps successful Silicon Valley technology entrepreneurs and executives discover their personal brands and design their personal styles.  Get Joseph’s free report that helps you know “6 Secrets to Success in Silicon Valley”.  Need immediate and fast help? Learn about Joseph’s image consulting experience designed to transform your image and personal style in record time.