A Real Life “Aha Moment”
Recently, I sent out this note to my audience…I got several messages back from readers saying how valuable it was, so I thought it deserved a home here on the blog….
Hey Friend!
I hope this quick note finds you rested and rejuvenated after a long winter and gearing up for more creativity, inspiration, and motivation as we round the corner into spring. If you're a New Englander like your girl, I'm sure you're with me…SO ready for those warmer, longer days we absolutely live for in this corner of the world.
OK, enough about the weather (though I could talk about the sun for a unique amount of time)…I'm sending you this quick hello with an anecdote I just felt so compelled to share… as someone who is constantly talking about how smart brands solve problems for their target clients, I experienced such an “aha moment” in my own life yesterday…where a lightbulb went off in my own head…"THIS is what I am always yapping about, and here I am experiencing if for myself." I need to share this with my people.
So, about nine months ago or so, I decided to take a break from the gym I had been going to. For various reasons (including what is most likely a slight hint of undiagnosed ADD), I decided I wanted a change. Meanwhile, in my back pocket, I also had a membership at a very large box gym…I'm sure you could guess the one. It is very inexpensive, close to my house, and since I am fairly competent when it comes to exercise, I figured I knew enough to string together enough movements to get in a good workout. So, I decided that's where I would go for a bit.
Fast, easy, convenient, and definitely cheap. Great.
Maybe you are already guessing the punchline here…that I have barely visited said gym. Maybe a few walks to listen to some of my favorite podcasts, sporadic and unorganized lifts here and there, but really…not much. Then, about a week ago, I called myself out on some of my own bullsh*t… I was overworking and barely taking care of myself…not enough water, more snacks than whole foods, an ungodly amount of doom scrolling, and not enough exercise.
I wondered what the hell is going on here-I actually really enjoy moving my body. Why am I crapping out on myself in this way? And then it dawned on me…I have more running through my brain these days than I have in a long time (and maybe ever, really). I am so fired up (in the best possible way) with this work, I have incredible clients I feel so grateful for, and who I am constantly thinking about, another business I love, and of course, my family to care for and think about. I have so many things I am thinking about all.the.time. that I simply do not have the capacity to design my own workouts right now. Maybe at another time in my life, sure, but not right now.
Upon this realization, I grabbed a 10 pack at a local studio I have been wanting to circle back to….still close by, but absolutely not as inexpensive as you-know-who.
Anxious to get in there, I took my first class yesterday-a 45 minute full body workout. It went by in a flash, and it absolutely did the trick. I was sweaty, full of endorphins, and many movements today have reminded me of the work I did yesterday…sore in all the right places.
It was during the stretch that the big shiny lightbulb went off in my head…THIS is what I am talking about with my clients all the time.
How this studio solved my very specific problem…workout done, yes. And I didn't have to think about anything…I just showed up, was instructed through a class, was motivated by the instructor and others in the room, and sent on my way. I felt so taken care of.
Here's the reminder: there are always multiple ways of achieving one thing/having a problem solved/a need fulfilled, right? But with that, there are also always differentiators. Two gyms, both offer the opportunity for me to move my body, but two completely different deliverables for me, personally.
Also, just because something is cheaper, does not always make it the better option. Sure $15/month is a whole hell of a lot less than a monthly membership at a boutique studio, but the VALUE add is non-comparable…again, for me, at this point in my life. I think we get caught up (and rightfully so to a degree) in going the less expensive route. We're always looking for the best deal, the fastest option, the easiest answer, but I truly believe these solutions are not always the best answer. We have to truly ask ourselves-is this solution really solving my problem/fulfilling my personal need?
And for you business owners reading this: Please know your value. Know that you can be priced higher because you are offering an exceptional, value-packed service, product, and differentiating experience. And yes, they (potential clients and customers) can alway go somewhere else for cheaper, but are they really going to get the same exact result?
I think you know the answer.