What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?

Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.

Kelly and Matt Megyese

One of the biggest lies the fitness industry tells itself—and everyone else—is that it’s all about how you look. You see it everywhere: social media feeds flooded with chiseled abs, perfect bodies, and the message that if you don’t look a certain way, you’ve somehow failed. But the truth is, fitness isn’t about fitting into a mold or chasing a certain image. Read more>>

Shawnda Williams

Here’s the problem — my industry treats “data” like it’s the whole truth. One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that data is objective, and that it’s enough on its own. We throw around the word “data-driven” like it’s a badge of honor, but too often, we treat “data” as if it only means numbers. Read more>>

Nohealani Sentenac

One of the biggest lies the interior design industry tells itself is that beauty alone is enough—that aesthetics can outweigh function, livability, or emotional resonance. The truth is, a space can be stunning and still feel cold, disconnected, or impractical for the people living in it. Design should always serve the human experience first. Another lie is that more expensive means better. Read more>>

Morgan Francis

The biggest lie is that therapy is for weak people. That something must be wrong about you, if you are seeking therapy. That is absolutely a lie. My goal is to breakdown the stigma of therapy. We all deserve to have someone listen to us and support our emotional pain. We go to a dentist for our teeth. Read more>>

Jon Kopp

One of the biggest misconceptions perpetuated in our industry is the lack of knowledge and education regarding the ‘why’ and ‘when’ behind the tools and techniques we use. I receive numerous phone calls each month from other flooring companies seeking my opinion and asking for guidance. Read more>>

Saru Bala

That there’s one fix. One pill, one diet, one supplement, one perfect protocol that will solve everything. But real health—especially hormonal health—is never black and white. Your period, your energy, your symptoms… they’re all a reflection of the small, daily choices you make and how aligned those choices are with the life you want to live. There’s no magic bullet. Read more>>

Chanana McGarry

The biggest lie is that hormonal birth control (HBC) is the gold standard. While it may be the right choice for some circumstances, it is also ranked by the WHO as a class 1 carcinogen. And yet, women are rarely told that a natural alternative exists – one that has been proven to be just as effective based on over 40 years of research. Read more>>

Helena Gilbert-Snyder

The cycling industry (and the outdoor industry as a whole, really) is an odd world. There are some incredible parts of it, and some ugly parts of it. Read more>>