Remember the game “Telephone”?

The game where someone would whisper a phrase in their neighbor’s ear which would then be passed quietly around the “neighborhood”, hopefully emerging at the end of the circle unscathed? Inevitably, the phrase went awry at some point. Or, a participant who was just trying to be funny altered it for dramatic effect.

Either way, the message got screwed, right?

This is what happens when we talk about what we dislike, rather than focusing on what we love.

I know firsthand.

Years ago, not realizing the majority of my professional livelihood would depend on free social media platforms for years to come, I flapped my gums a bit too much about a “wellness” product I didn’t support. Do I firmly believe what I shared? Yes. Should I have used social media as a passive-aggressive platform to shout out my message?

No.

Because social media can be like that game of Telephone.

The overall intent of the message tends to run amuck. The words get twisted. And while the intent may have been innocent, (and vane – “Let’s show the world everything I know!”) the IMPACT had grave results.

In this case – a loss of friendship.

Don’t cry for me, Argentina – I made amends as well as I could and have moved on and learned from the experience. Enough so that I can now share these words of wisdom with you. 

Ask my opinion, I’ll suggest you “Google that shit.”

Seriously. I’ve learned my lesson.

I get asked about diets, gyms, instructors, supplements, exercise formats, sport’s bras, etc. – you name it, I’ve been asked. And for the most part, there is no harm in answering. But . . . at some point – there is.

    • When I give the answer, I cheat you out of doing a bit of research for yourself, which builds self-confidence. Think about it. If someone always tells you what to eat, will you ever develop an understanding of what your own body likes and needs to function optimally? You will always be looking outside of yourself for answers and validation. My nutrition clients know when they ask “Should I eat this?” or “Would that be good for me?” they will be met with, “Try it, track it and see”.
    • When I give the answer, I risk my suggestion being miscommunicated or misquoted. Perhaps that sounds like a cop-out. I’m not talking about, for example, cautioning those against something as well known as The Whole 30 (honestly, I doubt  I’m gonna damage that author’s feelings.) I am referring to those who are local or with whom I have mutual connections. Guess what? I don’t share which businesses I won’t patron, because I’ve chosen to only share the ones who DO get my business. I’ve simply taken myself out of the Telephone circle.
    • When I give the answer, without having experienced the diet, gym, instructor, supplement, format, or even bra myself, how is my response even credible? (Hint: it’s not.) 

Hang up the Telephone.

Here’s what I’ve learned. When I hung up the game of Telephone, I gifted myself additional time to devote to my own professional growth and business.

My classes improved.
My coaching improved.
My connection with my clients improved.

By not investing my precious time researching what doesn’t directly benefit my business or contribute to the well-being of my personal clients, I keep my mind clear and the creativity flowing.

But, Joline, aren’t you opinionated about politics and religion?

Yeah. Sooooo, about that.

Those topics do tend to be on speed-dial with me! (Get used to it.) Whether you should get a membership at “So-&-so gym” isn’t.

But as a personal rule, if you want to know what I think of WW, IF, Keto, Cross-fit, Ketones, juicing, fat-burning supplements, etc. as a solution for YOU, specifically? My standard response will be,

“I don’t know about {______}, but I do know about {my jazz}.”

(And/or I’ll point you to someone well-versed on the subject from whom you can find an answer. Cool?)

Click.