Years ago when I first got called Sherlock whilst at Virgin, I assumed it was due to my ability to look beyond symptoms and find the real problems.
The typical view of a personal trainer (yep thats what I started out as) is someone barking at clients. The reality for me was that I spent most (practically all) of my time diagnosing problems such as why diets didn't work for people, why they had a bad back etc. So I became more detective than PT, intrigued by disease and ill-health rather than doing exercise because it's apparently "good for you".
After my recent diagnosis with Asperger's even the Psychologist said I bore a striking resemblance to Sherlock Holmes.
Traits
The most distinct Holmes trait I have is the refusal to guess or theorise before having the necessary clues or data to reach a conclusion and solve the case.
I refuse to guess without evidence, once I have my data I start to deduce the problem and the solution. For my clients benefit I break it down into a very concise deductive argument.
So, aside from the fact that I don't smoke a pipe and theirs no Watson, my methods share a fantastic similarity with Sherlock.
The typical view of a personal trainer (yep thats what I started out as) is someone barking at clients. The reality for me was that I spent most (practically all) of my time diagnosing problems such as why diets didn't work for people, why they had a bad back etc. So I became more detective than PT, intrigued by disease and ill-health rather than doing exercise because it's apparently "good for you".
After my recent diagnosis with Asperger's even the Psychologist said I bore a striking resemblance to Sherlock Holmes.
Traits
- Reluctance to accept cases I don't find interesting – Both Myself and Sherlock Holmes hate cases that we aren’t interested in. I've been known to state "boring" when faced with yet another serial dieter who just wants a quick fix. I'm simply not interested in taking cash from someone whose not interested in the real problems and how to fix them.
- Otherwise lazy – When not solving something that interests them, they are what most would call lazy. I am not interested in pharmacuticals, tens machines or other things aimed at masking a problem. Give me something I can really work and and I'll uncover an answer for you.
- Reliance on a related science – Sherlock Holmes rely heavily on Psychology. I studied Psychology as part of my Undergraduate Degree and am now on a MSc in Psychology
- Substance dependence – Sherlock Holmes went for Cocaine, Morphine. For me it was Alcohol, replaced by Wine Gums followed by an addiction to bread. All not needed now as I'm hooked on Health Research.
- Overconfidence to the point of arrogance – I don’t think any further explanation is necessary. Much like Sherlock Holmes I'm all about the diagnosis/solution and I've offended many a Professor, Doctor, Vegan, Diet Guru and Personal Trainer amongst others.
- Introvert – Sherlock Holmes was an introvert and you all know I am, preferring to stay in and read. If I can't escape attending a party I'll sit watching all night, uncovering information about people from their gait, skin condition, posture, mannerisms etc.
- Strong deductive reasoning skills – Much to the disgust of University lecturers I was able to report and use innate knowledge to diagnose the problem with surprising accuracy when the teaching staff seemed clueless.
- Showmanship for their skills – Sherlock Holmes has a love for elaborate traps to show off his skill. I too like to allow people to walk into my deductions so they can then wonder how they never figured it out themselves
The most distinct Holmes trait I have is the refusal to guess or theorise before having the necessary clues or data to reach a conclusion and solve the case.
I refuse to guess without evidence, once I have my data I start to deduce the problem and the solution. For my clients benefit I break it down into a very concise deductive argument.
So, aside from the fact that I don't smoke a pipe and theirs no Watson, my methods share a fantastic similarity with Sherlock.
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