Business Lessons Learned at the Gym

I Hate Exercise . . . But. . .

I’d much rather curl up with a good book than go for a hike or, heaven forbid, to the gym. But after developing sciatica, I learned that if I didn’t want to hurt, I had to build those core muscles. So, like any good business person, while doing those hated exercises, I looked around the gym and learned some business lessons that I’d like to share with you.

1. Hang around people whom you want to be like.

When I walk into the door of the gym, I see others who, like me, are there because they know they should be but aren’t having any fun. But the real energy is with the group of those who are there because they love it. The more I talked with them and realized how far some of them had come, the more motivated and inspired I became.

Why? Because I learned that when you hang around people who are doing what you want to do, you automatically have a much greater chance of success.

Who are YOU hanging around? (Think about it.)

2. Consistency is the key for long-term success.

When I first started going to the gym, I expected results right away but I learned from the experts who were working out there that a strong body isn’t built overnight. It takes time.

And the more often I went, the more they remembered me as they realized that I was serious about this stuff and not just a “come a few times and quit” kind of gal. Our business customers also have memories. I like to call it “marketing memory.” As long as we market to them on a regular and consistent basis, the more they will remember us.

3. Ups and downs are a part of the process.

When I first started going, I was stiff and sore and swore I would never go again.

But I told myself that pain from exercise would go away a whole lot faster than pain from my sciatica.

I also know that if I quit and go back later, that initial pain from using stagnant muscles will return. But as long as I slowed down some weeks but didn’t quit, I could follow the down week with an up one and have success.

Marketing has cycles as well. You can hit it hard for a while, then ease back for a bit. Don’t worry when there’s a “down.” Just make sure to immediately follow it with an “up”. Get back on your marketing schedule or mix it up and do something different.

4. Hard work is part of the game.

Isn’t that the truth!  I don’t exercise because I love it. For me, even though it is a little easier now, it is still hard work and there are days when I wake up and say, “I don’t feel like going to the gym today.” But I just do it.

It has become part of my schedule, like waking up and having that first cup of coffee while reading the paper. All of us would love to have business success handed to us but that isn’t going to happen. Hard work, like exercise, is part of the game.

5. Model others who are already doing what you want to do.

Those bodybuilders at the gym don’t try to invent their own training programs from scratch. They look at what others who are successful do and they do the same thing.

Don’t reinvent the wheel when there are others who are already careening along down the business highway. Find other business owners who are doing what you want to do, and model them.

6. Find a mentor or coach for faster results.

I don’t know of any champion bodybuilder who did it without help from others. They all had a trainer or a coach who has been there before and could help them navigate the jungle. A good mentor or coach, who has already reached the level of success that you hope to obtain is priceless.

I know many entrepreneurs who have wasted thousands of dollars on websites, programs, and training that got them nowhere or pointed them in the wrong direction. Don’t make that mistake. Find yourself a good mentor who will show you the way – the right way – the first time.

7. Show off what you’ve got!

You can be sure that those hunks who have built their gorgeous bodies aren’t meek about their success–sometimes disgustingly so.

But take a lesson from their playbook and even if you aren’t as successful as you would like to be yet, show off what you DO have. Toot your own horn. You’re doing yourself and your potential customers a disservice if you don’t let them know what you and your business can offer.