“The future belongs to the generalist (not the specialist)”

- Dr. John Berardi

You Don't Need a Specialist: You Need a Generalist

A striking trend has emerged recently: people are pouring time and money into becoming specialists, yet they genuinely need a more generalized approach. This hyper-specialization leads many to expect top-dollar salaries due to their extensive knowledge in a narrow field. However, the job market isn't always looking for specialists. Employers increasingly value "jack-of-all-trades" individuals—those who can adapt and wear multiple hats.

This issue transcends the job market and is alarmingly prevalent in the health and wellness space. Wellness professionals often obtain certifications in specific areas, but anything outside their scope of practice is seen as risky. For example, a certified personal trainer should not give nutritional advice, but clients frequently ask for it. As a personal trainer, I found myself needing an additional certification in nutrition coaching. Over time, I amassed multiple certifications and became a generalist. I now help my clients make positive changes across various areas without being overly specialized. Additionally, I've built a robust referral network of specialists to ensure my clients receive comprehensive care when needed.

The health and wellness journey can become overwhelmingly complex when individuals seek a personal trainer for exercise, a nutritionist for meal planning, a gym membership, a doctor for health conditions, and a therapist for mental well-being. This multi-faceted approach can be daunting and impractical.

Enter the generalist—a versatile health and wellness case manager. With broad knowledge and a network of referral partners, a generalist simplifies the path to achieving health goals. When crafting wellness programs for employees or embarking on your own health journey, consider all aspects of your well-being. A holistic perspective is key, and the seven areas of well-being provide a great starting point:

1. Purpose or Existential Wellbeing: What is your purpose in life, and what drives you to achieve more? What gives you the strength to get out of bed each morning? Seeking guidance from a religious leader, guru, or coach who can help you define your "why” might be a place to start if you cannot answer these questions.

2. Mental Wellbeing: Can you think clearly, stay focused, and generate new ideas? If you're struggling with mental fog or problem-solving, it may be time to consult a stress management expert or a doctor for a neurological evaluation.

3. Environmental Wellbeing: Do you feel safe and calm in your environment? Is your space free of clutter? Consider spring cleaning, hiring a designer to optimize your space, or seeing a therapist for more severe hoarding issues.

4. Relational Wellbeing: Who supports you? Reconnect with loved ones, seek help forgiving those who hurt you, or find spaces to make new connections. A coach, community group, or religious organization can be excellent starting points.

5. Emotional Wellbeing: Do you experience a wide range of emotions, mostly positive and calm? If not, you might need to address emotional baggage. Find someone you trust—a friend, coach, or leader—to help you express and process your feelings.

6. Physical Wellbeing: Is your body functioning well and free from disease? Work with a nutritionist to improve your diet, a personal trainer to develop a workout plan, or a health coach to help you change your behaviors. Sometimes, all are necessary.

7. Financial Wellbeing: Do you feel financially secure, or are you worried about how you will make it before the next payday? If not, a financial coach or advisor can help you develop a plan for a more secure future.

At Life Force Wellness, we are dedicated to assisting our clients in all seven areas of well-being. We possess the knowledge and network to support you in any challenge. While spending thousands on specialized trainers might be necessary for highly specific goals—like playing for the NFL as an elite wide receiver or training for an Ultra Marathon—the vast majority of us want to get healthy, feel healthy, and age gracefully. This requires a more generalized approach, not super-specific specialization.

Embrace the power of generalists. They are the key to a balanced, comprehensive approach to health and wellness, ensuring that no aspect of your well-being is neglected. To see if you are in balance, check out our Life Force Assessment here for instant results!  - https://lifeforcewellness.com/balance.