by Jane Roqueplot
Understanding DISC styles is understanding predictable behaviors of both the motivation for our goals, and the diversions from our goals. Goal setting and the motivation to reach those goals are based on behavioral styles and personal characteristics.
Below is a general breakdown of each DISC core style and tips as each applies to fitness and motivation.
D-style people are goal, task, and results-oriented. They are driven and competitive and often prefer to work alone. So how does this apply to motivation and fitness?
- Design a fitness plan with stages, milestones, and goals along the way. As you accomplish these smaller goals and see results in stages, you’ll build motivation for the next steps of your plan.
- You’ll especially enjoy exercise if you can compete with others or against yourself, envision the end result, feel a surge of adrenaline, and even win at some sporadic challenges.
I-style people prefer interactions with others and will prefer to not work alone. They want tasks to be fun and engaging, but may have a difficult time focusing on anything tedious, repetitive, or perceived as “not fun”. So how does this apply to motivation and fitness?
- Focus on incorporating fun into exercise. If you love music, try to incorporate music. If you like to dance, look into dance-exercise plans or classes.
- Because the High I style is so focused on people, it’s important that you exercise either with friends or join a class so there is interaction. It also helps for someone else to hold you accountable.
S-style people are relationship-oriented, but in a more private way than the I-style. They often prefer to work with others, but would prefer the person be close to them with whom they’re already comfortable. Routine, safety, and security are very important. They’re very patient, good at multi-tasking and can work at a slow and steady pace until the task is done. So how does this apply to motivation and fitness?
- Create a routine in your exercise plan. Try the same day of the week, time of day, order, and place of exercise.
- See if a good friend will work out with you. You’ll enjoy the companionship and you’ll have someone to hold you accountable to the task and goal at hand.
C-style people are task-oriented and prefer to work alone. They have a strong attention for detail and are able to engage in deep focus. Precision and doing things correctly are very important. So how does this apply to motivation and fitness?
- Information is very important. Try getting a personal trainer or doing research, so that you understand how the exercises affect the muscles and why you’re doing it.
- Ultimately, you’ll want to work alone and at your own pace, focusing on precision and form.