BooneThink

Success starts with many things, including but not limited to, parents, schooling, experiences, and relationships. In many ways, getting to know the “right” people is particularly important to one’s success. As history has demonstrated many times, connecting with the wrong crowd can be disappointing if not dangerous.

Since this piece is about success resulting from initiating a relationship with professional societies, it is only logical to mention the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP). Talk to professionals from physical therapy or nursing and they will say the same about their professional organizations. In other words, “professional organizations” are important.

Again and again, it is clear that students interested in exercise physiology do not get the respect or the success they should simply because the “leadership” has failed them. They have left a path of problems, regardless of the books or articles they have published. Talk to Deans and Chairpersons of colleges and universities as I have and they will tell you that exercise physiologists need their own professional organization.

Exercise physiologists cannot take fall into the trap of thinking they can make it outside of their own professional organization. They cannot take the “power” of a professional organization for granted. Similarly, they cannot misconstrue their relationship with other organizations as appropriate to guiding the future of exercise physiology. This is actually a rather simple point.

Success or failure is largely a matter of understanding the obvious before us. Then, we need to step up to the plate and motivate others to do the same thing so that all of us working together can make a difference. We desperately need a new way to think about the power in relationships that underpin professional societies. It is a matter of necessity and opportunity; both a function of networking, and both critical to a favorable outcome for students who believe in exercise physiology.

Hence, continuing to remain entangled with organizations that aren’t our own “professional” society is next to a kind of codependence on yesterday’s thinking that can only continue to cause damage. Greatness, our greatness, starts with exercise physiologists coming together. Why not take that step? Be courageous and bold in face of the obvious challenges.

ASEP is more than just another organization. It is our organization. It is “within its infrastructure” from which exercise physiologists will realize their full potential. The question is whether we are prepared to build relationships in our own back yard? What do you think? Can exercise physiologists get past their blind spot? The short answer is “yes.” Everyone knows that if anyone is to make a difference, singly or with others, that person must take responsibility.

Taking responsibility for one’s future is inevitable. Those unwilling to take responsibility need our support and understanding. It shouldn’t be too hard since we share a common background and interests.

ASEP, like most professional associations, is typically nonprofit and voluntary. It exists to serve all exercise physiologists by providing professional networking and social events, development activities, and career services. In addition, as is clear with the ASEP journals, the ASEPNewsletter, and the webpage, the Society compiles and disseminates professional information about exercise physiology. Other reasons why exercise physiologists should join ASEP include the following opportunities:

1.  To build a network of professionals.

2. To learn about jobs in the field.
3. To learn how to write better cover letters and resumes.
4. To attend conferences and to take courses and seminars.
5. To contribute to continuing education and professional development.
6. To learn about up-coming products, services, and issues in exercise physiology.
7. To strengthen leadership and communication skills.
8. To serve in a leadership position.
9. To volunteer to be on a committee.
10. To learn from professionals in a supportive and encouraging environment.
11. To access funding for research.

Obviously, there are many “powerful” and important reasons to belong to your own professional society of exercise physiologists. Never let non-exercise physiologists or exercise physiologists who don’t get the ASEP organization tell you otherwise. Never let fame, not fortune, not professional rank get between you and your relationship with your own Society.

In summary, you may have the expression, “When preparing for battle, dig a hole big enough for a friend.” In fact, I think I remember reading the same in John C. Maxwell’s book entitled, Winning With People. Well, what if I said, “The ASEP hole is big and deep enough for all exercise physiologists.” Join us. It is truly a remarkable sense of power when people come together to do the right things for the right reasons.