Passion Leads Programming

Passion defined is far less interesting than its lived experience. In real life, passion is an intense emotion or deep desire that compels you to do what you do and keeps you going no matter what obstacles cross your path.

Program directors and leaders in general, may not always know what the heck they are doing at all times (just being honest), but they know what brings them joy and a sense of contribution.

I like to describe passion as an arrow, pointing us to the experiences that are about our life’s larger purpose. Passion helps direct us in our actions, roles and way of living and serving the world.

The late American poet Maya Angelou spoke of the passion it takes to master your craft. “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.” I believe this is true of all programmers, in any field. Program directors in the fitness industry, especially. As one who has spent her entire adult career in a program director and leadership role, I can say with confidence that passion leads people, passionate people lead programming, and passionate programming leads members to participate (where they eventually find their passion for exercise).

Last month I encouraged you to engage in a new “ROI” — one that measures member experience and engagement, and I gave this new metric a title: ME^2.

This month, I encourage you to renew your passion as a leader. Review your vision and the goals for your program and department with your fellow leaders and your team.

If you are no longer in the “front line” with members experiencing your own programs, I encourage you to get back in the trenches and embrace this opportunity. It will be a rewarding experience, I can assure you.

Keep your passion strong by sharing your leadership story with others and by joining industry events where you can collaborate, share and learn every day.

Mo Hagan is vice president of program innovation for GoodLife Fitness and canfitpro. Email her at mo@goodlifefitness.com.