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One Key Factor for Success

Writer's picture: Jason SweetJason Sweet


As a coach, it’s my mission to help others improve their lives through health and fitness. This mission started back in the 90s when I was a young soldier in the Army. One of my assignments was to help soldiers struggling to pass their PT tests. On paper, the task seemed simple—help them get fit enough to pass. But as we all know, simple doesn’t always mean easy.


I showed them the workouts they needed to do, joined them in training, and motivated them to push forward. But what I began to learn back then—and still see today—is this: the path to success doesn’t just rely on having a coach or a plan. It requires something even more crucial: personal responsibility.


Fast forward to today. At Axis Strength Training, we’ve helped hundreds of people transform their health and fitness. And while I’d love to say we’ve helped every single person who’s walked through our gym doors, the reality is… we haven’t. Not because we didn’t try, but because personal responsibility—the willingness to own the process and put in the work—is a non-negotiable part of success.


Back in the Army, I couldn’t understand why some soldiers wouldn’t give it their all. Then it hit me: they didn’t want to succeed. For some, failing the PT test was their way out of the military. No matter how much I coached, encouraged, or demonstrated, their lack of desire outweighed my efforts.


And today, I see similar patterns. Many clients show up ready to crush their goals, embrace the process, and do the hard work. But some… well, they spend more energy crafting excuses than doing the work. And let’s face it—getting in shape is hard. Sticking to a workout plan, eating healthy, and making lifestyle changes aren’t easy. But that’s where personal responsibility comes in.


As a coach with over 20 years of experience, I know how vital it is to guide, support, and educate. Coaches play a huge role in helping people develop healthy habits. But we can’t do the work for you. We can’t light that internal fire of motivation. That spark has to come from within.


You must want the outcome more than you want your excuses. Everyone has obstacles—busy schedules, stress, family obligations. But the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is simple: the successful ones acknowledge their excuses, set them aside, and get to work.


I’m inspired every day by the clients who take personal responsibility for their journey. They’ve got the smarts to hire a coach and the grit to follow through. These are the people who show us that it’s not about having a perfect plan—it’s about showing up, staying accountable, and doing the work.


So, the next time you don’t achieve the results you hoped for, pause and ask yourself:


- Did I take personal responsibility for my progress?

- Did I let excuses steer me off course?


Remember, you can either make excuses, or you can make progress—but you can’t do both.


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