Winning – Own the Role Before You Own the Title

When I first started as a recreation professional, I wasn’t the lead instructor—I was assisting one of the best. His Fitness Bootcamp was packed every week. People followed him from center to center. The program had his name written all over it.

At first, my job was simple: learn the structure, understand the standard, and support the flow.

Then the shift happened.

After weeks of mentorship, he started handing me pieces of the class. First a segment. Then half the session. Eventually, he told me:

“You understand the standard. This is your class now.”

That’s when fear showed up.

I wasn’t worried about the title—I was worried about the responsibility. Would people stay?

Could I uphold the standard he built?

Sensing that hesitation, he said something I’ll never forget:

“Never underestimate yourself. Never underprice your service. You’re ready—and you’ll only get better.”

That’s when ownership clicked.

I stopped trying to replace him and started protecting the standard. I added my own style. Introduced themed workouts. Adapted when equipment was missing. Tested ideas, adjusted fast, and kept improving.

Soon, problems stopped going to him- they came to me.

Not because I had the title—but because I owned the responsibility.

Lesson:

Titles are given. Ownership is taken.

When you own the responsibility, align with the standard, and solve problems without waiting—you become the leader people trust.

Where can you stop waiting for the title—and start owning the responsibility today?

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