Finding the right professional

With so many experts out there who are doing what I do for a profession and so many experts who have decades more experience than I do, I carefully select the mentors from which I learn from and the same is true for the professionals that Karel and I welcome into our life to help us with our own needs.

Seeing that a mentor has experience, I find this valuable as I want to understand different approaches and methods to help me determine the most appropriate advice that aligns with my philosophy and that will help me better serve my coaching and nutrition athletes. 


With so many experts out there, here are some ways that I select the professionals that help out with our coaching athletes (ex. physical therapists, sport psychologists, PhD researchers, other coaches, etc.) as well as the experts who I look up to and consult with as mentors. 

1. You believe in his/her philosophy. When you have insight on how an expert approaches situations and how he/she helps others, you will gain trust in this individual as you have similar views and understand his/her methodologies. 

2. Your expert has credentials, competence, experience and a good reputation. 

3. You feel safe and not judged by your expert and you feel like you are treated like an individual. 

4. Your expert has a specialty area or is an expert in a specific field, based on personal experience and formal education.

5. Your expert is actively involved in learning with continuing education, writing and speaking.

6. Your expert has patience for you and does not rush your journey. She/he doesn't have a quick fix or an one-approach-only method.

7. Your expert gives you his/her full attention, provides a supportive environment and does not ignore or dismiss your questions during your consultation. Your expert values a team approach when working together.

8. Your expert challenges you and wants you to step outside your comfort zone. She/he doesn't tell you exactly what you want to hear or give you false or too-good-to-be true promises.

9. Your expert maintains your confidentiality.

10. Your expert doesn't change his/her approach based on what is "in" or trendy, especially when  she/he can sell something to you in order to buy you into his/her method.

As you search for the best expert(s) to help you with your personal needs, keep in mind that the same expert may not work for two different athletes.

Always understand what you need from an expert, keeping in mind that not every problem has a clear or easy answer. 

Despite having knowledge, education and being the full package, experts are not magicians and there is no wand to cure a problem in one day or in one session. 

Are you seeking help?

Do you find yourself using forums to gather advice on yourself when you are vulnerable and in need of help?

Did you ever consider that the people giving you advice are strangers, knowing nothing about you, your life, your struggles, your needs, your journey and your goals?

While forums can be a great place to learn, don't just seek help from anyone. There's an expert out there who is a professional, trained to help you with your individual needs.

Often times, when a question is asked on a forum, there are dozens, if not hundreds of responses, from all types of people. The same goes for articles and information on the internet.
While some information may be valuable and credible, it becomes very difficult to decipher between all the "this works for me" advice vs. what will work best for you.
Rather than getting a concise or clear "right" answer, you end up more confused and overwhelmed than before you asked your one question.

Be careful and very wary when seeking advice on forums (or the internet) as the information or feedback that you are given may be incorrect, incomplete or biased.

As a guideline for athletes, you should not use forums as the main outlet for the following:

-Treating or diagnosing a health condition, illness (health or mental) or injury

-Correcting or fixing your biomechanics (or form/posture/position) when training/exercising

-Dialing in your personalized daily diet and/or fueling approach

-Changing equipment or gear mid-season (or during peak training)

If you have a concern, struggle, issue or limiter in a specific area, consult with a professional (who specializes in the field of your question) that will help you understand what will work best for you and can give ongoing feedback throughout your journey.

So there lies another question.

How do you find the right professional or "expert" to help you out? 

In my next blog, I will talk about how to find the right professional to help you in your individual journey.