March 2026

Ten Things That Require Zero Talent - An Analysis

Most regular readers of this blog are probably familiar with a list that is titled, "Ten Things That Require Zero Talent." This collection of principles is attributed to Bill Gross, who is the founder of a technology incubator called Idealab. I first came across this sign a couple of years ago in the weight room at Dominion High School when I coached football there. As someone who was definitely not the most talented athlete during my playing career, this mindset really spoke to me. Talent, you see, is vastly overrated, and is something that you really do not have any control over. Desire, drive, and a willingness to do what it takes counts for far more, in my opinion. This is something that I have tried to instill in the players that I coach, and it is applicable to Total Results clients as well. You do not have to be the most genetically gifted individual to achieve great training results.

Here is the list in its entirety, as well as how each principle relates to Total Results exercise.

Be on time. Clients are typically in a better mental state when they aren't rushed or frazzled from running late. Your mental readiness has a direct impact on how you physically perform. It is always a good idea to arrive a few minutes early for your session. Remember, we are creating sustainable habits, and promptness pays dividends in all aspects of life.

Work ethic. Total Results workouts are hard; they are supposed to be, since producing lasting physical change is a difficult process. Consistency produces progress, and giving your best effort is a victory unto itself. Take joy in that process and rise to the challenge.

Effort. This is truly the name of the game; I learned that from my former colleague Alan Stein Jr. over 25 years ago. Effort is not related to the amount of weight that you lift, it is about how you lift it. It is about pushing through discomfort and seeing each exercise through until its rightful conclusion. Leave no stone unturned.

Body language. At one point, it was thought that 93 percent of communication is non-verbal. While most experts no longer believe that to be accurate, your body language says a lot about your mental state. If you look like you are dreading your workout, you probably won't perform very well. However, if you walk into the studio with purpose and confidence, you will have a positive metabolic experience.

Energy. The challenges of life and the law of averages dictates that you will not always be super-energetic. However, the mind can defy the body in many instances. You will be more authentically energetic if you handle business between workouts (sleep, nutrition, hydration, etc).

Attitude. There is much in life that lies outside of your control, but one thing that you do have authority over is your attitude. You can choose to look at things in a positive light, or you can decide to be negative. It's up to you. Positive people tend to perform better in whatever task they participate in.

Passion. I realize that most people do not have the same enthusiasm for exercise that I do, which is one reason I went into this industry in the first place. That being said, it's okay to get excited! Having the ability to participate in these workouts is truly a gift; not everyone is as fortunate. I try to remain upbeat (but clinical) in my instructional mannerisms, because I believe that enthusiasm is contagious.

Be coachable. This is probably the most critical element to your Total Results success. It is our job to coax the best possible performance out of every client. As an instructor I maintain a positive attitude, but part of my job is to be critical and correct mistakes. Please do not take this personally; it is all designed to make you better.

Doing extra. You could probably show up once or twice per week, give excellent effort in your workouts, and see some positive benefit. However, if you want optimal results you have to be willing to do the work in between sessions. Managing stress, drinking plenty of water, sleeping 7-9 hours per night, incorporating low level movement, supplementation, and eating properly will give you the best chance for success. Don't be satisfied with mediocrity.

Be prepared. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Be mentally and physically prepared for your workout. Come dressed and ready for your session, or arrive a few minutes early with clothes to change into. Staying up late the night before is a bad idea; get to bed at a reasonable hour, especially if you have an early morning workout. Take a few minutes to shut everything else out and focus on what needs to be accomplished in the next twenty minutes. Finally, accept the fact that this will be uncomfortable, but it's nothing you haven't been able to handle before.

You do not have to be experienced in the ways of high-intensity exercise, or be an elite athlete to reap huge benefits from Total Results. Some of our biggest success stories are clients who never touched a weight before they first walked into our studio. You simply need to have desire and a willingness to do what it takes; it has nothing to do with talent! Self-improvement is a powerful internal motivator. We can teach technique, promote good habits, and give encouragement, but the rest has to come from you.