Why Gym Owners Get Stuck: The “This Doesn’t Make Sense” Trap

A practical way to rethink confusing results, behaviors, and business problems before jumping to conclusions

Have you ever been annoyed by a situation because “it doesn’t make sense?”

I sure have.

Here’s a framework to use when that happens.

When something doesn’t make sense…

In the world,

In your business,

In your relationships,

In someone’s behavior,

Your model is incorrect.

Everything follows an internal logic.

If you find yourself bedeviled by a staff member’s behavior, 

Or you’re confused by last month’s sales results, 

Or you can’t figure out why someone in your life keeps acting in obviously self-destructive ways, 

You’re missing something.

Sometimes the issue is your current model feels good. You have an incorrect belief set that brings you psychological satisfaction and comfort. 

There’s a reality you want to be true because you benefit from it.

Because you get to be a victim or hero. And someone else — a client, a trainer, a spouse — gets to be a villain.

This doesn’t mean that there are no bad actors. It means life is complex and none of us are impeccable. And in most conflicts, both parties play at least some role.

So whenever you find yourself confused, irritated, or angry at “inexplicable” results or behavior…

And particularly when you’re clearly the victim or hero and there’s an obvious villain…

This is a call to humility.

Take a beat. Get curious. Because those are strong signals you’re missing something.

And this matters. Because if we don’t correctly diagnose an issue, we can’t create the best possible solve.

“All progress starts with telling the truth.” – Dan Sullivan

Or, as Richard Feynman famously said…

“The first principle is you must not fool yourself. And you are the easiest one to fool.”

Strong opinions are fine, even desirable, so long as loosely held,

Mark

PS: One of the most reliable ways to counter the bias we all have is getting feedback from a human who doesn’t live in your skull.

If you’d like me to be that non-skull-living feedbacker…

Between now and next Tuesday, you can book a 30-minute 1-on-1 call with me.

You’ll also get 14 days of access to the Unicorn Society Office Hours.

It’s only $99. But I’m only doing 5.

This is only for gym owners seriously considering joining the Unicorn Society in the next 12 months but want to kick the tires a bit.

To get the details and the link to book,

Comment “KICKSTART”