{Delivery Secrets} Standing in the fire: massive transformation that takes you higher

I can’t get enough of the TV show Extreme Weight Loss. Can’t.Get.Enough.

Two personal trainers work with one person for an entire year to lose crazy amounts of  weight and the emotional baggage that put it there in the first place.

It’s serious transformation.

Most of the time.

Not everyone finishes.

Some aren’t ready. Some don’t stay committed. Some let their old habits and emotions take over. So that despite everything the trainers do, they can’t seem to break free and leap into their new life.

But most?

Most make it.

I’m talking goal weights that are 100 or 200 lb losses. In a year.

Holy smokes.

I can’t get enough. And I cry at every episode.

But to see what these people go through and how they continue to push forward with a complete transformation of their psyche is insane. It’s like my brain can’t even comprehend it and yet is so pumped up by it at the same time.

Recently I was watching an episode and the trainers were stalking the participants, a dad and daughter duo.

And I do mean stalking.

Surveillance. Following in cars. Using walkie-talkies. Snapping photos. The whole deal.

And the whole time I’m watching it, it never crosses my mind that it’s creepy or lying or over the top.

Nope.

I’m thinking this is real life.

This is the nitty gritty.

This is the real behind the scenes shit that goes down.

Because these trainers were standing in the fire for these participants.

Like getting burnt and staying there anyway because that’s what it was going to take for this duo to really change their life.

The accountability. Empowerment. Truth. Determination.

Fire.

And of course the participants were upset when they were confronted. Because the trainers always give them the chance to come clean. And they hope they’ll get the truth. But more times than not, the participants stare them in the face and lie.

And then out come the photos of them skipping the gym. Going to a bakery. Drinking an extra 200 calories from Starbucks and catching a ride home instead of walking.

And the whole reality of the situation comes crashing down on them as they see evidence of their truth in that moment and they can’t wiggle their way out of it.

And they feel violated. And attacked.

And the trainers simply sit there and reinforce the fact that they are there for them and will do absolutely everything in their power to help them succeed. But they can’t do it alone.

Now this – this is seriously standing in the fire for someone.

And it takes a lot of guts. Stalking someone. Having them lie to your face. Confronting them. Getting in seriously uncomfortable situations. Holding people to their word. Doing whatever it takes to help them go higher.

I’ve never seen it done so well as I have on this show. It is absolutely the best example of what standing in the fire looks like and the massive transformation that can result from dealing with that intense heat.

And it’s true in everything from weight loss to business.

Anytime transformation is needed, having someone who will get in that fire with you means the difference between falling back into your old life or leaping into your new one.

I’ve seen it in my own life and I’ve done it for clients.

I have put it all out there. Done everything in my power to help. Ensure they are getting their money’s worth. Helping them so that they can succeed.

Some of them get mad. Sometimes I’m fired.

Others get it and make change.

Some get mad, promise change, and then stay the same.

Which is all totally fine.

The trick is that they have someone willing to stand in the fire with them – time and time again.

A friend can’t do this. A family member can’t do it. Even a business friend will have trouble fully launching themself into the fire and staying there.

Afterall, it’s fucking hot in there.

And while this idea of being in a fire doesn’t sound glamorous or exciting and can sound downright scary – it’s what makes a true entrepreneur successful.

Having someone on your side who is completely devoted to seeing you succeed is not something to dismiss, put in the maybe one day category, or the well it would be nice to have but not now category.

It’s required. And it’s a big not-so-secret must if you want to birth your big ideas and have a faster delivery. {How long do you really want to have those contractions?!}

And that’s why I believe in coaching. Support. One on one.

Because there will be days when you need to get in that fire and you won’t want to. But a good coach is willing to get in there with you, even though she may get burned too.

She knows that on the other side of that fire is sweet, sweet relief.

The smoke clears. The clouds part. That hunky fireman leads you to safety.

And then you’re left to walk forward, in the direction of your dreams.

Because behind you?

Is a pile of ashes that can’t be put back together.

The only way is forward. Refreshed. Anew. With a clear path to success.

Get smokey friends,
Amy

PS – Last night I was able to see two of my very first mentors, Gina DeVee and Glenn Sisk. They were the first people who showed me what it meant to take a stand for someone from a place of true compassion, love, and support. I am forever grateful!