A few months ago, after hearing a Vistage speaker emphasize the importance of maintaining strength as we age, I decided to do something I had been avoiding: I began strength training three days a week at our local Y.
At first, I didn’t like it. I felt uncomfortable and self-conscious. It disrupted my routine. I was using the EGYM equipment, and the process just felt odd. (I even told myself I was “too old to be lifting at the gym.” How’s that for negative self-talk?)
But after three weeks, something changed. I adapted to the rhythm of the EGYM and began to recognize it for the genius health tool it is. (It’s modern circuit training using weight machines that automatically adjust to each individual; the recommended two circuits take only about 45 minutes.) Strength training has become a habit, and now I look forward to it. Best of all? My body feels stronger, my energy is higher, and I’ve noticed more than just physical benefits—I’ve gained confidence and clarity.
As I coach executives, I can’t help but draw a parallel between my physical workouts and the kind of strength training required in leadership and life. Because strength training doesn’t just happen in the gym. It happens in our relationships, at our workplaces, and in our priorities and our choices.
Here are just a few of the areas in life that benefit from regular “strength training”:
- Leadership: Leading others requires emotional intelligence, decisiveness, and consistency. You don’t become a better leader by accident—you get there by doing the reps: asking for feedback, reflecting, listening more than speaking, and making the hard decisions when necessary. Good leaders train for these moments in much the same way athletes train for competitions.
- Family & Friends: It takes intentionality to nurture the relationships that matter. Being present, listening, setting aside quality time—those are the reps. You don’t grow closer to those you care about by accident.
- Finances: Financial discipline, delayed gratification, and wise planning are muscles that must be exercised regularly. Avoiding the easy, impulsive choice is like resisting the urge to skip “leg day.”
- Fitness (beyond the gym): Eating well, sleeping enough, managing stress—these daily decisions are part of a broader commitment to well-being. Small, consistent efforts pay dividends over time.
- Fun: Yes, even fun requires practice! When life gets busy, many people forget how to have fun. Laughing, relaxing, spending time with friends, taking a break—these keep your emotional and relational muscles healthy.
- Faith: Staying connected to your values, your faith, your purpose—strong faith requires regular nourishment. You can’t just show up at Easter and Christmas and expect to be spiritually strong.
- Focus: In business, distractions are everywhere. As an executive, staying aligned with your “main thing” takes mental and emotional strength. You have to train yourself to say “no” to the urgent in order to focus on the important.
I also work with sales professionals, and I tell them that strength training is necessary for their success, too. A salesperson needs to develop the emotional resilience to hear “no” over and over. They must become conditioned to overcome rejection and keep showing up with energy and conviction. The best salespeople aren’t just born confident—they’ve trained their minds to bounce back, to persist, and to win with consistency.
So, what’s your “strength training” regimen?
Where do you need to build muscle—physically, emotionally, spiritually, or professionally?
The truth is, strength is not given—it’s earned. And it’s not earned once. It’s earned over and over again. You have to make strength training (in every sense) a habit.
Do this, and you’ll do what you do better.