By: Patrick Willis

What does a heavy old barbell have in common with stories, media, and relationships? At first glance– nothing. But dive deeper, and you’ll find a world where grit meets wit, and lifting and strategy intertwine. 

Jeffery Mann–a public relations professional and visionary–outlines a unique parallel between the gym and business. His journey, marked by sweat, strategy, and steadfastness, proves how the lessons learned from the grind of physical fitness can be masterfully applied to the ever-evolving challenges of business and public relations. 

Today, Mann distills his wisdom into ten fundamental lessons, carving a parallel between the principles of physical fitness and his unique approach to public relations.
 

Mann’s Top Ten

Embrace Transformation: A factor in public relations is that you’re like a chameleon– willing to adapt to the environment in which you find yourself in. But transformation is painful, right? It’s so much easier to stay where and how you are. 

To move forward, you must mentally prepare yourself for pain. But the good news is that short-term pain is almost always worth the long-term gain. Progress in business, much like in fitness, demands stepping out of comfort zones. It’s painful, it’s hard, but it’s also–growth. 

Persevere Through Challenges: The road to success is paved with… obstacles! In the realm of fitness and business, persistence cultivates resilience, leading to more robust companies and effective client strategies. 

When you’re going through a rough patch, keep going. When business is suffering, or you can’t seem to find the right strategy for a client, you have two choices: quit or keep going. The pain will eventually stop. The result will be a stronger company, an idea that may bring a ton of brand awareness or revenue to a client. Sounds a lot like the process of building our muscles, doesn’t it?

Compete Against Yourself: If you’ve ever looked around the gym and compared yourself to others, there’s an important lesson that can be carried from the gym to business: Your biggest competition day in and day out is only yourself. 

Can I push myself to a different level? Can I push myself each day to find a new idea or a new strategy? In public relations, it’s easy to fixate on our competitors. We waste valuable energy that we could be expending on improving ourselves or honing in on your client’s brand message. In the gym and out of the gym, never compare your day 1 to someone’s day 100.

Don’t Overvalue Others’ Opinions: Recognizing that most are too preoccupied with their own lives to scrutinize yours liberates us from the weight of external judgment, a valuable insight into both fitness and professional endeavors. 

People are usually too preoccupied with themselves to pay attention to you. Conversely, people probably aren’t paying that much attention to you either. They have their own challenges to overcome, so don’t invest too much energy into wondering what others think of you. This is a golden rule in and outside the gym.

Strength in Numbers: Collaborative efforts(like the bond you have with your favorite gym spotter), amplify collective strength and progress. There is strength in numbers. Like-minded people make you better and motivate you to get out of bed and get to the gym.

For entrepreneurs and in public relations, there is also strength in numbers. My professional support groups consist of clients, business experts, mentors, and friends. Find your tribe. You’ll be better for it.

Growth Beyond Comfort Zones: Overcoming plateaus, whether in fitness routines or business strategies, requires embracing change and challenging oneself. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. 

I hit a plateau in the gym a few months ago, even though I was training almost daily. I hired a new trainer to change up my routine–driving change and growth. In your business, when was the last time you went after an opportunity that would push you to the brink of a new level? It is these situations that create adrenaline surges and make us excited to move forward.

The Importance of Proper Fuel: Just as nutrition is vital for physical exertion, appropriate resources and knowledge are essential for nurturing business growth and career progression. 

Your choice of fuel drives your progress. The fuel we give our bodies before, during, and after our workouts influences our energy levels and how quickly our muscles recover. In the same way, if we starve our bodies, our workouts and results are compromised. In our companies, what we feed our organizations will determine results. How do we fuel our careers? Continuing education, networking, and masterminding can bring fuel gold to your mission.

Self-Discipline for Lasting Change: Enduring transformation in both personal and professional spheres demands unwavering self-discipline. Consistency is the foundation of progress. Self-discipline is the key to lasting change. Incremental progress occurs with short-term changes. Lasting progress occurs with permanent changes. 

Every business is swimming against the tide of obsolescence every day. You are either evolving or receding. To continue improving, we must stick to our commitments. Remember, the hardest part of life is showing up.

Mindset Matters: Cultivating a positive, determined mindset is instrumental in achieving success, paralleling the importance of mental fortitude in both the gym and the corporate world. 

Your mindset is your biggest ally or most prominent enemy. I love the words of one of my idols, Eric Thomas, “I can. I will. I must.” It’s something I tell myself almost every day at the gym and as a public relations professional.

Keep Your Core Strong: The core is pivotal, both in fitness and in public relations. In the gym, the core, encompassing the abdominal and back muscles, is fundamental. It supports and strengthens the rest of your body, ensuring balanced physical development. 

This concept translates seamlessly into the realm of public relations. Here, your ‘core’ comprises your values, mission, and vision. These elements define who you are, what you stand for, and where you’re headed. They anchor your organization, providing direction and integrity. Staying true to these core principles ensures that your business progresses cohesively and purposefully. Conversely, losing focus on these foundational aspects can lead to a ripple effect of challenges, impacting the entire organization and its outcomes.

The Takeaway

Jeffery Mann’s insights illuminate a profound truth: the principles governing our physical and professional lives are intrinsically linked. His ten lessons serve as a blueprint for anyone aspiring to excel in the dynamic field of public relations or in the challenging world of business. 

They remind us that the disciplines we cultivate in the gym can have far-reaching effects, extending beyond our physical well-being to shape our professional identities and accomplishments. As we navigate the complexities of our careers, let’s draw inspiration from Mann’s wisdom and apply these lessons to become more adaptable, resilient, and successful in all our endeavors.

For more insights and professional guidance on public relations, visit Jeffery Mann on Instagram at ProgressionOver_Perfection.