If you’re in the trenches as a coach or trainer, you already know this industry doesn’t hand out gold stars for effort. The fitness space is saturated, competitive, and often filled with more flash than substance. If you’re just starting out or years deep, what separates good coaches from great ones isn’t just programming – it’s mindset, strategy, and the willingness to do what others won’t. Below are five brutally honest, practical tips that can elevate your career and help you stand out in a crowded field.

1. Develop the Right Circle of Resources

One thing I’ve noticed—whether from other trainers or just people in general—is a constant tug-of-war over who knows more. Egos flare, people get defensive, and instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, it becomes a competition. And let’s be real: our industry is one of the worst offenders, thanks to all the trend-hopping and guru culture.

But if you watch closely, the best in the business aren’t doing that. They’re taking notes. They’re locked in. They’re listening. They’re not wasting time with petty, ego-driven debates—unless someone is truly that clueless and asking for it. The truth? You should probably spend the first 10 years of your career surrounding yourself with people who make you feel dumb and uncomfortable. That discomfort is growth knocking.

A quote from Zach Even-Esh that always stuck with me: *“People are often uncomfortable and unsupportive of successful people because it forces them to reflect on where they are in life.”* Instead of resenting that mirror, admire those ahead of you. Emulate them. Try to surpass them. That’s when the momentum starts to build.

2. Sacrifice

Here’s the deal: your success is directly tied to what you’re willing to give up to get there. You can’t grow while clinging to comfort. Once you commit to doing whatever it takes—without compromising your ethics or stepping on others—you unlock real potential.

When I started in this business, I devoured every piece of fitness content I could find. I worked 6–7 days a week, 8–12 hours a day. I relentlessly reached out to experts, even if it meant pestering them. And thankfully, I found some mentors who still guide me today.

You want to level up? You need to build a network. Strong mentors. Smart colleagues. People who challenge and sharpen you. It’s non-negotiable.

3. Ask for Help

Don’t let pride sabotage your progress. Asking for help—or admitting you don’t know something—doesn’t make you weak. It makes you credible. It builds trust. It shows your clients that you’re committed to getting them the best outcomes, even if that means tapping someone else’s expertise.

Choosing to stay ignorant? That’s the real liability. Remember: you’re only as strong as your network. So build one, use it, and never fake it till you make it.

4. Prioritize Education First

Scroll through social media and you’ll see the high-level coaches dropping subtle hints: a snapshot of their training library, a behind-the-scenes of their latest course, a stacked resource section on their website. They’re showing you the blueprint—whether you notice it or not.

Did you know I once spent \$30,000 in one year on educational resources alone? That’s not a flex; that’s a reality check. Your success will always come down to how hard you work, how smart you are, and how much you’re willing to reinvest in yourself.

I never took out a business loan—but every paycheck went toward continuing education or equipment that eventually built a better environment for my clients. It all compounds over time.

5. Find a Niche

This one takes patience, but it’s a game-changer. Every great coach has a “thing”—a clear lane that people associate with their brand. Sure, it’s okay to train a wide variety of clients. But if you don’t know what your bread and butter is, you’ll have a hard time standing out.

Find that one area of training you’re truly passionate about. The one that makes you come alive and keeps you curious. For me, it was speed. I built my business around it. We trained clients from all walks of life, but speed was what I loved most—and ultimately, it’s what made us different.

PS. Check out our blog on this one: Branding for Strength Coaches Part 1: Why You Need A Niche

Final Thoughts

I hope at least one of these points lit a fire for you. None of this is revolutionary, but these are the things that elite coaches don’t just talk about—they live by them. Could you succeed without doing all of this? Maybe. But if you want to move faster, with more purpose and fewer setbacks, these five tips will set the foundation.

The longer you stay in this game, the more you realize: success isn’t about luck. It’s about consistency, humility, and an unshakable drive to improve. Now get after it.

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