Exercise Training: 3% Rule

I am sure you heard about the 80/20 rule, right? If you haven’t, I ‘ll lay it down to you from a sales standpoint because that is how I came to understand it. In case you’re wondering, I have been doing sales the better part of my life since graduating from college. Ok… here is what the 80/20 rules states: 80% of your revenue will come from about 20% of your prospects. I thought this was all a hoax, but in my years of sales it always holds true. Now…I mentioned that because I came across another rule the other day. I never gave this rule any thought, but upon reading more about it, it certainly holds true.

Welcome to the 3% rule!

I heard of the 3% rule some time ago, but it is just now hitting home with me.  I’ll tell you my experience with the “3”% and see if you can relate.  A long time ago, I bought one of those real estate courses from an informercial. It finally arrived in the mail and I was happy to get it because I thought this would make me a real estate millionaire! I had dreams of finally quitting my job, buying an expensive car, and “jetsetting” to a Caribbean Island. Sound familiar? “Yeah Mon,” I bet it does. I know I am not the only one who has had this dream, right? If I am, I’ll be very surprised. Anyway, after my daydreaming I jumped back into reality. I opened the course and began to read it. There was a ton of work involved before you made any money. The course expected you to negotiate with people and make deals to get the real estate with little or no money down. I thought to myself, “they made this look so easy on tv.” I didn’t know it was that much work involved to be successful with the course. I thought it had to be easy based on the testimonials and the number of people who succeeded with it. Was it believable or just a hoax?

What is 3%?

Do you know someone who’s an over achiever? You know what I am talking about, right. It is the person who graduated  at the top of their class or that nerd who spoiled the grade “curve” in your algebra class. Everybody had one of those people in their class. Some of you reading this might still be in school, and have someone in your class like this right now! Please don’t ridicule them because you can learn something from these folks. So what is 3% because I know you are wondering, right? It means 3% of the population will be successful with any endeavor they undertake. When you view weight loss informercials guess what you are looking at? You’re looking at the 3% who were able to complete the diet plan and now they have the results to show for it. When you buy various fitness dvds out there right now, they advertise the 3% who were able to complete the plan. They never advertise the guy/gal who buys it and uses it once or twice, then ends up quitting after a week.

How do you become the fitness 3%?

Here is how to become the 3% in fitness and in life:

• Be Committed— Too many people aren’t committed. At the first sign of adversity they are ready to quit. You need to jump in the pool and swim or get out of the pool. There is no halfway. You are either in or out.

• Beliefs–- Change your beliefs. Some people think it works for others but it won’t work for me. It will work for you but you first have to think it will.

• Be persistent— Results might be slow at first but keep on keeping on, and you’ll get there.

What has been your experience with the 3% rule? I would love to hear your comments.

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Nutrition and Weight Management Specialist
Certified Exercise Foundations Specialist
Certified Fitness Testing Specialist